12V Conversion..M vs Super M

While searching on here, I found this diagram for converting a Farmall Super M to 12v. My question is will this be the same as the wiring I will need to convert my standard M to 12v? The only thing I see different is the starter, being that the Super M has the button mounted on the starter itself, with a rod going to the steering post. I wanted to switch to this style starter anyways, because I like how it works on my C, and I'm not a huge fan of the "foot peddle" starter on my M. So if I make this switch, is there anything else that would be different about my M vs this wiring diagram? Sorry about all the questions lately, I'm younger (21) and haven't been around this stuff very long, and most of the helpful people on here have forgot about more of this stuff, than I've learned. Thanks so much!!

Yes it should work fine. Just remember that it takes longer and more rpm to excite the regulator in a altenator. So at idle a lot of times it wont show a charge. Now you can buy some low rpm alts now. It will make them start much better. Also make sure you get the brackets that fit up under the hood or you will have to cut it. I have done a few of them but mainly I leave them with genny on them and 6 volt but I dont use mine much they are just old show tractors. Good luck not a hard convert just a few things to look out for. Make sure you use a ballest resistor. Also sometimes a electric ignition works better with a 12v conversion. Goodluck! any more questions feel free to ask.

(quoted from post at 17:07:36 12/16/10) Yes it should work fine. Just remember that it takes longer and more rpm to excite the regulator in a altenator. So at idle a lot of times it wont show a charge. Now you can buy some low rpm alts now. It will make them start much better. Also make sure you get the brackets that fit up under the hood or you will have to cut it. I have done a few of them but mainly I leave them with genny on them and 6 volt but I dont use mine much they are just old show tractors. Good luck not a hard convert just a few things to look out for. Make sure you use a ballest resistor. Also sometimes a electric ignition works better with a 12v conversion. Goodluck! any more questions feel free to ask.

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Thanks! I was also told that I can use a NAPA 3.0 ohm coil and won't have to use a ballast resistor. Is this true?

A friend of mine just told me his SMTA is 12v, positive ground. He said the only thing he changed was the coil, and 12v points, and put a alt on it. Doesn't sound right to me though?

If you do the conversion , do not get the coil that does not need the ballast resister(3 ohm coil). Get the 1.3 ohm 12volt coil and the proper ballast resister with it. Use the existing (or install) starting bypass wire so that you will get full voltage to the coil when starting.

The 3 ohm coils have a high resistance wire in it to increase the resistance to 3 ohms. The winding ratio is unchanged from the 1.3 ohm coil. As this coil has no way to bypass this additional resistance when starting , when cold the tractor will be much harder to start.

Also the heat generated by the ballast resister will now be generated inside the coil increasing resistance and shorting the life of the coil.

good luck

George

Like George said stay away from the 3.0 ohm coil. They do not work as well a the smaller with a resister.

As for a SMTA with a positive 12v ground. It could happen. They made the diesels with a 12v positive ground. There are many olf cars that used a genny on a 12v system. It wouldnt be stock but most diffently possible. Also could of used the parts off a 400 or 450 to make it positive 12v. Any other questions let me know.

Good luck
Jason

(quoted from post at 18:20:06 12/17/10) Like George said stay away from the 3.0 ohm coil. They do not work as well a the smaller with a resister.

As for a SMTA with a positive 12v ground. It could happen. They made the diesels with a 12v positive ground. There are many olf cars that used a genny on a 12v system. It wouldnt be stock but most diffently possible. Also could of used the parts off a 400 or 450 to make it positive 12v. Any other questions let me know.

Good luck
Jason

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So if I just use the Generator off of a Diesel, what else would have to be changed?

Yes running a diesel genny would work but goodluck finding one. There is not many around now and when you do find one they are ussually pricey. I have a AC. WD-45 that I put a generator off a old car engine on it just so it would look right that"s a option also. You still need to do most everything that you would with a alt except it will be a genny and positive ground. The alt is easier now to do. Just because its easier to find the parts now and infact you can even buy kits to make them 12v. I would go with a 12v alt kit and that would be much easier and possibly cheaper then a genny and rebuild and own wiring or trying to wire the tractor on your own and making it work well. Just my opinion that it would be easier certainly can be done any of these other ways. I think that they maay even sell the kits here at this site or Steiner I believe does or you can go to NAPA get all the parts and put it together yourself. The kits are easier and they are all there so no running half way through to get parts and pieces. Well goodluck and if you have any more questions feel free to ask.

Good luck
Jason