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I have a 1950 F1 and it has a Flathead V-8. It also has a generator instead of an alternator. I have been told that an 8 volt battery is ok to use instead of the normal 6 volt. Is this possible?
My neighbor ran an 8 volt battery in his '51. He adjusted the regulator to go to 8 volt. The only problem he said he had was the light bulbs didn't last as long.
Why an 8 volt? What's wrong with your current battery? Are you after more cranking power? I'm of the opinion that if the electrical system wasn't designed for an 8v, then don't use it.
6v systems love good grounds. I would suggest that you replace any bad/broken wiring, get thicker battery/solenoid/starter/ground cables (best to use 1/0 welding cable), and make sure that you have good grounds. I run a ground from the the frame to the cab (on the cowl) and from there to the battery. I run a separate ground cable from the frame to the engine block. I also have a 6v Optima battery. Haven't had any issues. Additionally, I keep the battery on a trickle charger to always have a good charge. Lastly, check your generator. Maybe it's getting tired and needs to be rebuilt.
I run stock 6 volt in both of my trucks and really have no problems. Only one I have is my F-2, with the stock flat six doesn't like to start when it gets below 40°. When my dad had the truck, which at the time had the original engine in it, he also had this trouble and I've talked to a few other with this engine and they also have this problem. Once you get them started they'll start up all day long.