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Farmall & IHC Tractors Discussion Forum
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Farmall M - Converting to Alternator and/or Electr

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David Hazelwood

09-26-2006 20:55:08




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Hey Folks: New to this forum but not Farmalls. Have had an H on the family farm since new in 1950. I just got a 1949 M. Was wondering if I could get some input as to what is involved in converting to 12 volt with an alternator. I know they sell conversion kits but I want to know what else has to be done. Leave it positive ground or change that? Does the starter have to be changed? Also, what about changing to electronic ignition? What changes have to be made to make this conversion or should I even consider it? Thanks ahead for the input. I read through a lot of the discussion boards and didn't see this topic covered. If I'm duplicating I am sorry just point me in the right direction. Thanks, Again

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John T

09-27-2006 05:41:50




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 Re: Farmall M - Converting to Alternator and/or El in reply to David Hazelwood - TN, 09-26-2006 20:55:08  
David, If youre gonna convert to 12 volts and want to use an alternator, I WOULD CHANGE OVER TO NEGATIVE GROUND cuz all but a few expensive specialty alternators require Negative ground...

NOOOOO the 6 volt starter will work, Ive never had one go bad buttttt ttt avoid real long cranking periods and it can be a tad tougher on starter drives.....

Of course, change any light bulbs over to 12 volts.

As far as IGNITION CHANGES for converting from 6 to 12 volts, you must EITHER add a series voltage dropping (12 to 6) external Ballast Resistor in the primary ignition circuit after the ignition switch and before the coils input orrrrr rrrrr else get a replacement full true 12 volt rated coil, otherwise the 6 volt coil would get too hot n go bad plus the points will burn up prematurely.

ALSO if you change the ground to negative, the coil leads need reversed so the + gets voltage from the switch/ballast and the - wires to the distributor

ALSO if you change ground, the ammeter leads need swapped or else it will read bass ackwards

I prefer the GM 10 SI Alternators (3 wire but configured for one wire operation) as they are readily available,,,,, ,low priced,,,,,and dont require any high PRM to excite nor is trickle discharge when setting long periods much of a problem versus some One Wire alternators. If you want my description or Bobs neat picture or Bob M's diageam of how to wire them, post back for instructions.

ELECTRONIC IGNITION they are made for either + or - ground but I recomend you go - ground as an alternaotr is cheaper that way. If you use an electronic switch I HIGHLY RECOMMEND to get the most bang for the buck and to utilize all the advantages the elec switch has to offer, to couple/match it up with a high energy coil instead of just using the stock coil... Have the elec switch vendor match the coil for the switch and I would run a bit wider plug gap and use good quality plug wires n distributor cap n rotor.

Best wishes n God Bless

John T

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bobiwnet6943

03-09-2009 19:26:56




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 Re: BN oil leak in reply to ScottyHOMEy, 03-09-2009 18:04:13  
The leak is on the right side of the engine between the block and the head (ie; head gasket)right in the middle between the 2nd and 3rd pistons. that's right where the drillend out stud that holds the middle of the rocker shaft gets it's pressureized oil from.



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David Hazelwood

09-28-2006 05:16:41




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 Re: Farmall M - Converting to Alternator and/or El in reply to John T, 09-27-2006 05:41:50  
John:
Please send me whatever info you do have and/or pics. I understand all that you told me but it never hurts to have more info. Thanks for all your input.



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David Hazelwood

09-27-2006 05:15:51




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 Re: Farmall M - Converting to Alternator and/or El in reply to David Hazelwood - TN, 09-26-2006 20:55:08  
Texp:

Thanks for the info. I was on track about most of the info but wanted another's input. Thanks again.



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texp

09-26-2006 21:26:13




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 Re: Farmall M - Converting to Alternator and/or El in reply to David Hazelwood - TN, 09-26-2006 20:55:08  
In order to convert a 6 volt positive ground to a 12 volt with an alternator you must do all of the following:
1. Install a GM single-wire 12 v alternator. The tractor will need to be changed to negative ground - this means swapping the battery cables.
2. Change light bulbs to 12 volt bulbs - I suppose you could place a resister in series, but changing bulbs is cleaner.
3. Replace the coil with a true 12-volt coil OR, wire a ballast resister (Chrysler used them for years) in series with the current coil AFTER swapping the positive and negative terminals on the coil.
4. The starter will work fine - so will the amp guage.
5. The GM alternator has a built-in regulator.
6. If the alternator drains the battery (when not running) you need to install a diode to keep from a back-feed. An alternator shop can sell you one for a couple of bucks, typically it is built in to a plug that goes from the alternator to the ignition switch. The alternator shop can help you with the "how-to" for the diode.

That's it, Cross your fingers and "start 'er up"
Texp

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old

09-26-2006 21:03:55




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 Re: Farmall M - Converting to Alternator and/or El in reply to David Hazelwood - TN, 09-26-2006 20:55:08  
Alternator systems have to be - ground or you will burn them up. Also the coil needs to be switched from + to -, easy to do just switch the wires on the coil.



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