My '48 F-3 V-8 with the original 6 volt system starts and runs fine. The battery needs replacing and "some" have said go to an 8 volt, no problems and it will turn the starter faster. If I've had no problems with the 6 volt are there advantages/disadvantages in going to an 8 volt? thanks

 

An 8 volt battery is usually added to mask another problem and brings problems of its own. You said it " My '48 F-3 V-8 with the original 6 volt system starts and runs fine."
Why mess with something that works good. A six volt system works very well when it is right.
And with only six posts, welcome to the forum.

 

Clean - or reclean -all the grounds and starter connections, buy a new 6V battery, and the starter will turn faster and the system that will sustain the battery at full charge.

 

As a guy that has a 6 volt stock 54 F100, I agree with the above posts. My last 6 volt battery last 10 years. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

Just make sure you have the thick cables, 00 or 0 gauge.

 

If an 8V is installed the voltage regulator should be adjusted to charge 8V.
I tried one in my 55 but could never get the regulator to charge enough.
Went to a Tractor Supply 6V and works and starts fine.
As others have said, if originally from factory as 6V, why change?

 

I had problems for years starting mine.......cleaned all the terminals, replaced the ignition switch and went to a 6 volt Optima battery.......all is well and has been all summer......no reason to change to 8 volt if all is well
Ed

 

1 more vote for 6V.

 

I not so sure a 6 volt gen will put out enough ever to charge a 8.4 volt battery


Each cell of a battery is 2.1 volts


a 6 volt battery has 3 cells = 6.3 volts
a 8 volt battery has 4 cells = 8.4 volts
a 12 volt battery has 6 cells=12.6 volts


If a 12 volt system is supposed to charge 13.2-14.8 volts then a 6 volt system should be half that or 6.6-7.4 volts


If you had an 8 volt battery your output would need to be around 9-10 volts and I'm not sure a 6 volt gen will put out enough to cover the 8 volt batt needs.

 

This ^^^^^

 

You can make a generator or alternator put out any voltage you need (within limits) by adjusting the regulator. When you go 8v, you have to adjust the regulator to account for it or it will soon be a 6v battery .

I suppose 8v is just the ticket on a tractor where you might have a headlight, but nothing else electrical to run. On a car or truck it just makes no sense IMO.