6v alt.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
6v alt.
If I replace the 6v gen. with a 6v alt., are there other changes needed to keep everything original? '36 FH, 85 HP. That would give me brighter lites at idle and keep the batt. charged, right?~Tks
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,976
Likes: 2,733
From: Virginia
I do not know anything about the 6v alternators and if they improve anything or not. One thing I have heard that improves an old 6 volt system is changing the battery to an 8 volt, and adjusting the old 6 volt generator regulator to charge the 8 volt battery. I have heard of people doing this and being much happier with their cranking speed and the brighter lighting.
It sounds simple enough. Buy an 8 volt battery, and get a local automotive electrical shop to adjust your regulator to charge an 8 volt battery properly.
It sounds simple enough. Buy an 8 volt battery, and get a local automotive electrical shop to adjust your regulator to charge an 8 volt battery properly.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 482
Likes: 2
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 1
I don't know that you would be helping yourself any. 6 volts is 6 volts no matter where it comes from. Charging limit is around 7.3 volts in a 6 volt system. For that reason, I don't think I would tinker with going to 8 volts. 
jim d
jim d
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,976
Likes: 2,733
From: Virginia
Originally Posted by jimdandy
I don't know that you would be helping yourself any. 6 volts is 6 volts no matter where it comes from. Charging limit is around 7.3 volts in a 6 volt system. For that reason, I don't think I would tinker with going to 8 volts. jim d
jim d
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by Franklin2
Just like a 12 volt alternator can be turned up to put out 120 volts,(or turned down to produce 6 volts),a generator can be turned up too. It's all in the regulator and the speed it's turning. A little tweaking in the regulator by a automotive electric shop should bring it right on up. I would guess it would need to be somewhere around 9 or 10 volts, I am not sure on that one.
6 volt systems work fine, but they must be maintained like everything else. Clean connections, pay special attention to grounds, and keep the engine in tune.
In my opinion, if you are going to increase voltage, go ahead and go 12 volts then you don't have an odd voltage to deal with. I re-wire old cars as a hobby and this is the system I use.
jim d
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
upgrade
Originally Posted by jimdandy
This is true, but you are increasing voltages by 1/3. While this may not seem like much in a low voltage system, it is a lot. Devices that operate at 6 volts have built in overload, but are not really designed to operate at higher voltages for long periods of time. That is why the 6 volt system charging circuit is limited to around 7.5 volts.
6 volt systems work fine, but they must be maintained like everything else. Clean connections, pay special attention to grounds, and keep the engine in tune.
In my opinion, if you are going to increase voltage, go ahead and go 12 volts then you don't have an odd voltage to deal with. I re-wire old cars as a hobby and this is the system I use. jim d
6 volt systems work fine, but they must be maintained like everything else. Clean connections, pay special attention to grounds, and keep the engine in tune.
In my opinion, if you are going to increase voltage, go ahead and go 12 volts then you don't have an odd voltage to deal with. I re-wire old cars as a hobby and this is the system I use.
jim dIf I can get a new 12v alt. setup that works, I'd only need one or two runtz's, right? Right now I've got a vintage Firestone 6v heater that I'd like to install. Someone told me a runtz won't work for heaters, what is used?
I'd better let you go for now. Later~Dan~
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,976
Likes: 2,733
From: Virginia
6 volt systems work fine, but they must be maintained like everything else. Clean connections, pay special attention to grounds, and keep the engine in tune.
Hey Jim; Can I pick your brain alittle? A 12v gen. will still drain the batt. on short hops, right?
Many short trips will affect exhaust and engine life more than anything else.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
6v
Originally Posted by Franklin2
I agree completely with that.
Dan, I get the impression from the above statement you are fretting and worrying over something that hasn't even happened yet. Hopefully Jim will write back and confirm again his statement above, and convince you that you do not need to pour a lot of money into some fancy 6v alternator and such to get good enough performance from your original 6v system. The heater and few accessories you are adding are not going to hurt the 6v electrical system in your truck, no matter what kind of driving you do.
Many short trips will affect exhaust and engine life more than anything else.
Dan, I get the impression from the above statement you are fretting and worrying over something that hasn't even happened yet. Hopefully Jim will write back and confirm again his statement above, and convince you that you do not need to pour a lot of money into some fancy 6v alternator and such to get good enough performance from your original 6v system. The heater and few accessories you are adding are not going to hurt the 6v electrical system in your truck, no matter what kind of driving you do.
Many short trips will affect exhaust and engine life more than anything else.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 1
If it were mine, I wouldn't mess with it. 10 miles is sufficient to keep the battery charged. An alternator charges at idle or near idle due to the smaller pulley. If the vehicle sits for long periods, a trickle charger would be my solution. jim d
jim d
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Pitcrw6
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Aug 26, 2012 12:59 PM
Grubbworm
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Apr 21, 2011 09:56 PM
Grubbworm
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
2
Apr 21, 2011 12:35 PM