Farm Equipment - Battery for an Allis B

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Battery for an Allis B

Printed From: Unofficial Allis
Category: Allis Chalmers
Forum Name: Farm Equipment
Forum Description: everything about Allis-Chalmers farm equipment
URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=26171
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Topic: Battery for an Allis B

Posted By: Mike(NC)
Subject: Battery for an Allis B
Date Posted: 23 Feb 2011 at 7:19am

_popupControl(); I'm thinking about putting an 8 volt battery in my Allis B and am needing to know if a 6 volt generator will keep it charged up. Also will I need to add a resistor to run the 6 volt lights. I'm now cranking it with a 12 volt battery without the wireing harness. Just have to remember to put tthe charger on it. I purty well know how many cranks I have left. LOL I want to keep it original if possible using the 6 volt generator. Thanks for your input, Mike

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Thank God for another day. Thank Him for being alive and all my many blessings.

Replies:

Posted By: Denis in MI
Date Posted: 23 Feb 2011 at 8:13am

I do not like 8 volt batteries I have bought a few and never been happy with them. A 6 volt generator only puts out 8 volts on a good day and it takes a long time to charge a 8 volt battery back up with just 8 volts. If you can adjust your generator to make 10 volts you would be golden. Yes a 8 volt will burn out your head lights if you use them for more than a couple seconds. I think your best bet would be to just get some real heavy battery cables (0 or 0/0 gauge) and a good 6 volt battery and make sure your charging system is up to snuff then you will be amazed how well it will start.

Just my opinion,

Denis

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1938 B, 1945 B, 1941 IB, 1949 C, 2 1938 WCs, 3 1950 WDs, 1951 WD, 2 1955 WD45, 1957 D-14

Posted By: Thad in AR.
Date Posted: 23 Feb 2011 at 9:09am

I have done this and had the generater turned up. I had to use a regular regulator and it seems no better than 6 volt. Also if you have to charge it with a 6 volt charger all you get is 6v. I had the gen and starter rebuilt and still had problems until I replaced the cables with good quality heavy duty cables.

Posted By: Bill Long
Date Posted: 23 Feb 2011 at 9:44am

Mike, When we were selling them - late 50's early 60's - before 12 volt batteries - one of our fellow dealers talked about using an 8 volt battery. He was pleased with the results and was pushing them to this customers. Remember, we did not have the 12 volt available at that time. They were just coming out on cars.

I do remember when it was really cold jumping a B with a 12 volt car battery. Almost threw the starter off the engine but it started very well.

Talking with a person who rebuilds older tractors for lawn mowers, he always upgrades to 12 volts. Makes it soo much easier. Steve NJ can tell you what you need to do this.

Hope this is some help.

Good Luck!

Bill long

Posted By: GregLawlerMinn
Date Posted: 23 Feb 2011 at 10:22am

In my opinion, an 8V battery is a stop gap fix for a 6V electrical system needing maintenece and/or repair. The 6V system requires more maintenence (clean connections, proper cables) and components (bulbs, wiring, etc) may not be readily available at the local parts store. Your options should be to either perform maintenance and/or needed repairs to your 6V system or convert the tractor to a 12V system (of course, you can still use the tractor with a 12V battery and disconnect the generator; just make sure that you either use an internally resistor 12V coil or install a resistor in line with your 6V coil and make sure the coil leads are the same as your battery grounding).

I am now in the practice of upgrading my B/CA rehabs to 12 volt positive ground. I use the old GM 12V generator, a Voltage Regulator (which I mount inside the toolbox), install a voltmeter for the ammeter, and change the light bulbs to 12V. I also install the Petronix EI module to eliminate the points and condensers. These mods retains the original look of the tractor and minimizes the maintenence hassles associated with the 6V system.

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What this country needs is more unemployed politicians-and lawyers.
Currently have: 1 D14 and a D15S2.
With new owners: 2Bs,9CAs,1WD,2 D12s,5D14s,3D15S2s, 2D17SIVs,D17D,1D19D;1 Unstyled WC

Posted By: jaybmiller
Date Posted: 23 Feb 2011 at 10:22am

Best to either stick with 6 or go 12.

Pros for 6v, original,not upgrade required,already lasted 50 years... just use big,fat cables for power,and check cells regularily !

Pros for 12v,'compatible' with cars,trucks,etc.,can add winches,lights,etc. for low $$.

If 12V, alternators are cheap and will recharge better,faster.

Generators were designed for 'all day operations',low current output would recharge battery over the days running.

You can get alternators that look like genarators but $$$$.

8 volts means a lot of 'fudging' for no gain.Have to alter lights,generator, etc. as you've said.

It all depends on whether you want a true 'original'.If so stick with 6 volts otherwise convert to 12v.

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3 D-14s,A-C forklift, B-112
Kubota BX23S lil' TOOT( The Other Orange Tractor)

Never burn your bridges, unless you can walk on water

Posted By: Steve in NJ
Date Posted: 23 Feb 2011 at 4:33pm

Jay and Greg pretty much covered the goods n' bads with the 8V upgrade. If all components that make up the 6V system are in top shape, you shouldn't have any troubles with the 6V system providing you don't start adding accessories which will bring the 6V system out of its realm of correct operation. (ie extra lights, etc) A third brush Gennie's output can be adjusted to compensate for more power & a couple accessories on the 6V system, but needs to be adjusted just for the power needed to sustain the accessories. Anything more can boil the water out of the Battery depending on where the output is set, and therefore shortening the life of the Battery also. Gregs upgrades are simple like the tractor, but very effective for reliability. Its all up to the owner. We offer 6V and 12V conversion wiring systems and upgrades if you need any help or idea's with your Tractor. Be glad to help out...
Steve@B&B

Posted By: allis restorer
Date Posted: 23 Feb 2011 at 4:40pm

On my CA i run a 12 volt battery, and all i did was change the lights to 12 volt and left the generator orginal and its been this way for probably almost 20 years and never had a single problem. i run the lights all the time, plus extra work light and it charges just fine battery never goes dead.

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Go orange or Go home!!

Posted By: kev/ont
Date Posted: 23 Feb 2011 at 6:52pm

mike, to answer the question that you actually asked, I have had no problems charging the 8 volt battery in my WD with the gennie and cut out assembly. ( yes according to a voltmeter it is still 8 volts). However I do run 12 volt bulbs because the 6 volt bulbs and the 8 volt battery didn't see eye to eye for very long. before the band wagon jumps on me, no they are not as bright as they might be but they are still brighter than any 6 volt bulb I've seen. My electrical system is in tip top shape, however in the colder weather it is nice to have just that little extra kick to get her going.

Posted By: Mike(NC)
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2011 at 6:48am

_popupControl(); Thanks guys for all the information both for and against my ideas. I also have a TO30 Fergy that I have restored and it cranks real well using the original 6 Volt battery a generator. I think I'll use that battery and see if the B will start using it before I make up my mind as to the route to take. As usual this forum shares a wealth of knowledge for the less informed. Thanks again for the input, Mike

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Thank God for another day. Thank Him for being alive and all my many blessings.