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Farmall M

12 V conversion

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Brent

12-22-1998 11:31:21

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I recently purchased an M (1951) with a 6 volt pos. ground setup. I would like to convert it to 12 volt, install lights, etc.... How should I go about this, what do I need to replace, etc... I would also like information on installing a tank heater, mainly where do I plumb it in? Thanks!

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John T Electrical Engineer

12-24-1998 06:43:53

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Re: Farmall M - 12 V conversion in reply to Brent, 12-22-1998 11:31:21

Brent, I may have answered this already on the Talk Board ?? The 12 v. conversion advice from all the guys below is right on. Change bulbs to 12 v., add a ballast resistor in series with the coil high side (opposite the low side to distributor) feed wire to reduce voltage drop across coil to 6 volts. If you have a voltage regulator, change it to a 12 volt and polarize it per the instructions but use your existing generator cause it will work fine and charge at 12 v with new regulator. CAUTION, you have to get the same type regulator (like a Delco) because Ford and GM regulators were different and will not interchange. One is for a series field and the other a shunt field, but Im pretty sure they used delco (GM) on all those. However, many of those tractors just have a cutout on the generator and no regulator using only the two field series resistors in the dash to control the rate of charge. Still, on ones with a cutout, I have changed to 12 volt batteries and the generators still charged fine with no other modifications. I have done many conversions and left the 6 v starter which worked fine no problems ever! If you have any other electrical questions, feel free to post back or e mail me jmn50@msn.com Merry Christmas John T in Indiana

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The Red, John Fritz from Indy

12-27-1998 08:47:26

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Re: Re: Farmall M - 12 V conversion in reply to John T Electrical Engineer, 12-24-1998 06:43:53

John, I am going to give that 6 volt gen/12 volt. regulator a try. My 46 H has a sick 12 volt generator but I have an extra 6 volt. I guess watts are watts. I'm curious to see if I get a decent output using the 6 volt generator on my 12 volt system.

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The Red, John Fritz

12-23-1998 11:17:45

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Re: Farmall M - 12 V conversion in reply to Brent, 12-22-1998 11:31:21

If you want to keep the traditional look, here is what I did.

I have converted both of my H's to 12 volt positive and the same applies to the M. I found 12 volt generators and regulators that looked exactly like the 6 volt variety. You do not have to covert the starter. It will just spin faster.
You will need 12 volts light bulbs. NAPA part number 1195 LMP
You will also need to place a resistor in the coil line so you convert 12 volts back to 6 volts. NAPA part ICR 13 ECH

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mel whiting

12-22-1998 18:42:56

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Re: Farmall M - 12 V conversion in reply to Brent, 12-22-1998 11:31:21

to install a tank heater i plumb out of the block drain, around the back of the engine and connect into the hole where the temp sending unit is pluged into. you need a pipe tee and a short nipple to reconnect both the temp sending unit and the heater hose. I place the tank heater on the bell housing near the starter. this system works well. good luck.

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john d.

12-22-1998 14:02:59

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Re: Farmall M - 12 V conversion in reply to Brent, 12-22-1998 11:31:21

Or..... you could just skip replacing the lights and generator and installing a resistor by simply putting an 8-volt battery in that M. Probably won't even have to adjust the regulator, and it WILL make it spin over faster when starting!

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Bob seND

12-22-1998 19:35:50

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Re: Re: Farmall M - 12 V conversion in reply to john d., 12-22-1998 14:02:59

I just got rid of the 8-volt battery and converted
my '51 M to 12-volt. The 8 just wasn't enough for winter. With the 12-volt it starts now at
-10 F without a tank heater.

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Woody

12-22-1998 13:35:48

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Re: Farmall M - 12 V conversion in reply to Brent, 12-22-1998 11:31:21

Don't know about the tank heater...never heard of that one. The 12 volt conversion is easy, though. Find an alternator (Buckeye Electric has the whole set-up for about $85 UPS'd to your house; call 800-872-5561). The starter doesn't have to be messed with at all. Just pull your old voltage regulator, put in new lamps and volt meter. The only other item that you will need is the 'step down' resitor (?) to the coil. The coil and distributer needs to have 6 volt (unless you replace them as well). Only put the resitor between your 12 volt source and the coil. Its no big deal...I've done it more than a couple of times, so how hard can it be? Good luck and enjoy your M.

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Bob seND

12-22-1998 19:44:11

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Re: Re: Farmall M - 12 V conversion in reply to Woody, 12-22-1998 13:35:48

You don't need an alternator. Leave your generator in place. Put a ballast resistor ahead
of the coil, put on a 12-volt voltage regulator,
and polarize it for your pos.ground battery.
Replace your light bulbs with 50-watt back-up
bulbs available at Champion Auto. Put your 12-volt battery in and enjoy!!! You might not need a heater with the 12-volt system. Bob

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Don H.

12-22-1998 15:54:04

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Re: Re: Farmall M - 12 V conversion in reply to Woody, 12-22-1998 13:35:48

I don't know which of the several varieties of engine heaters you may be interested in, but one of the simplest is installed in the lower radiator hose. Just cut the hose, install the heater, put the clamps over both ends, and re-install the hose. They are inexpensive and work well. There are other varieties too, so pick the one you like best and go with it. Good luck with your tractor.

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Bob seND

12-22-1998 19:39:29

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Re: Re: Re: Farmall M - 12 V conversion in reply to Don H., 12-22-1998 15:54:04

There is not enough bottom radiator hose to install that type of heater without cutting a little of the metal pipes and jimmying it in there. The tank heater from the block drain to
the temp. probe is a much better option.

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Dexter

12-31-1998 14:43:23

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Farmall M - 12 V conversion in reply to Bob seND, 12-22-1998 19:39:29

I have a 400w with a gas engine. During the winter, where I live, the temperature can drop to minus 45 degrees celcius (about minus 50 degrees farenheit). I installed a circulating water heater by running a line from the bottom drain of the radiator to a side port on the engine block (the inline heater is attached in between. I have no trouble starting the engine under such extremes if it is plugged in (getting the hydraulics to cooperate is another story!). I have some problems with my conversion to a twelve volt system. I changed the coil to a 12 volt, got a 12 volt generator, put in a 12 volt voltage regulator, but after a while of using it the tractor began to run progressively worse. It would miss and backfire when I opened the throttle or had it working under load. I could operate it fairly well at low idle. I replaced the plugs, put in a new rotor, new distributor cap, and new plug and coil wires. I checked the gap in the points and gave it a try. Same problem. I disconnected the wires to the generator... end of problem. What's wrong and what can I do to remedy the situation. A friend suggested replacing the generator with a Delco alternator as it has a built in regulator. Has anyone else done the same with good success?

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Mel W.

12-31-1998 19:41:09

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Farmall M - 12 V conversion in reply to Dexter, 12-31-1998 14:43:23

I have converted several tractors to alternater syatems. You can get both 6 volt and 12 volt single wire alternaters with built in regulaters. This realy simplfies the electrical system. Just run the single wire through the amp meter to the battery.

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