12V Conversion on IH Utilitty 340

Mac DeBusk · Jun 4, 2009

I have a '63-ish IH Utility 340 with the C135 engine, and I have determined to convert it to 12V. I've already replaced just about every electrical component in the tractor with 12V negative ground appropriate versions, but one crucial component remains--the generator. I would really like to get a one-wire alternator that can be easily bolted up to the engine, but would happily settle for a 12V generator and regulator that was made for a similar year/model tractor and would bolt up to mine. If anyone else has done the 12V conversion, what did you use?

I tried "overclocking" the 6V generator by feeding straight 12V to the field windings. That didn't work at all.

Bob M · Jun 4, 2009

Mac - Is your 340 a “worker” or a show tractor?

If it's the former forget about a 12 volt generator! An alternator does better job keeping the battery charged, provides more power for lights, etc. and will last longer/require less maintenance. It’ll also be cheaper than a generator.

Tip: Use a 3-wire rather than a single wire alternator. A 3-wire requires a few more feet of wiring plus a warning light or diode. But it will be cheaper and it will avoid the annoying issues single-wire alternators frequently seem to suffer from.

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If you elect to stick with a generator most any Delco generator from a tractor or GM car from the late ‘50’s/early 60’s will work (IHC, Deere, Case, MM, Oliver, etc). You might need to reuse the fan/pulley assembly from your 6 volt generator however. Make sure you get the matching regulator too – otherwise the smoke may be let out of the generator!

Mac DeBusk · Jun 4, 2009

It's a worker for now. I'm saving all of the 6V parts so that when it's ready to retire and run the parade circuit I can convert it back to original. The only problem I have with an alternator is that I don't have any idea how to bolt one up to my tractor. I looked at one sold at a local parts store, but I couldn't see any way to make the pullies line up. If anyone has gotten an alternator to work on the C135, I would love to see a picture!

tesmith66 · Jun 4, 2009

I converted mine using a Delco 10Si alternator. I made a bracket that bolts to the block at the lower generator mount point and got a cheap chrome upper bracket at the parts store and modified that to bolt to the water pump. It's a tight fit around the front bolster, so I don't have much adjustment- but it works.

Catskill Pete · Jun 4, 2009

Easy to install,sounds a little weird, but works. Install the alternator upside down. The narrow alt. ear is now the bottom pivot. The wide ear attaches to the top bracket. That solves the belt alignment issue. You might need a washer or two on the bottom bolt to get perfect alignment on the belt,but its very close.
On the top bracket I had use a 3 inch piece of flat stock mounted straight up on the original bracket bolt in the engine Then drilled a hole in the top of the flat stock to attach the original mounting bracket to that. That gives you elevation on the top bracket to deal with the larger diameter body of the alt. Sorry I can"t supply a picture.[dead camera] but mine has been mounted on my 340U for 20 years like that,trouble free. Note: this is with a 10si, I am not sure a 12si will work quite the same.

Janicholson · Jun 4, 2009

I think this is where ingenuity meats the fan (belt). The metal working and adaptation is just one of those things that is a part of the game. Make it a bit stronger than normal, and it is OK. JimN

12V Conversion on IH Utilitty 340

Mac DeBusk

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Bob M

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Mac DeBusk

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tesmith66

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Catskill Pete

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Janicholson

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