8 volt batteries?
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New User
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8 volt batteries?
Hello Everyone,
I've got a '48 F3 with the flathead 6 in it and it needs a new battery - any suggestions on 6 volts? How many CCAs do i need?
I've also heard about putting in an 8 volt battery - will the generator charge an 8 volt? Has anyone done this before? Thanks for any help.
Kyle
I've got a '48 F3 with the flathead 6 in it and it needs a new battery - any suggestions on 6 volts? How many CCAs do i need?
I've also heard about putting in an 8 volt battery - will the generator charge an 8 volt? Has anyone done this before? Thanks for any help.
Kyle
New User
Joined: Feb 2005
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I just bought a 48 f-3 and my battery guy told me the old trucks weren't designed for a whole lot of cca's, and that most people put in heavy duty 6v tractor batteries which are too much. my battery cost 32 bucks and starts my ford great
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,813
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From: Connecticut
Don't use a 8 volt battery. You have to re-adjust the regulator to charge it , but the light bulbs may not like the extra voltage. If your engine is timed right, good grounds( most important ) and proper size battery cables, you should be fine. Make sure the area where the starter mounts, the end plates on the starter are clean. It wouldn't hurt to put a ground strap from a starter bolt to the frame.
Barry
50 F-1
Barry
50 F-1
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 825
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From: Michigan
An 8 volt battery wont hurt any bulbs or other stuff, but, you must set the regulator to charge 8V. I had this set up for several years as did a friend of mine with no problems. I recently bought the strongest 6V Interstate Battery has and it works fine in my 55 6V system.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Sacramento
["n 8 volt battery wont hurt any bulbs or other stuff, but, you must set the regulator to charge 8V. "
Agreed. My dad (90 now) always ran 8 volt batteries in his big 6 International trucks, never had a problem with bulbs. He always took the voltage regulator to the electric shop, for some kind of adjustment first. Generator didn't need any tuning.
Agreed. My dad (90 now) always ran 8 volt batteries in his big 6 International trucks, never had a problem with bulbs. He always took the voltage regulator to the electric shop, for some kind of adjustment first. Generator didn't need any tuning.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2000
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From: Waynesville, OH
The original 6V batteries in the 48's had 80 or 90 Amp-Hour ratings. They didn't rate batteries by Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) back then. Most modern automotive 6V batteries of the same physical size (about 10" x 7" x 7.5") have an equivalent of at least 100 Amp-Hour ratings, and would provide good performance. 
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Sweet!
Hey guys, thanks for your help - i just threw in a new 6 volt and it's workin great! Thanks again for all the input.
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