M with 6 volt/ want to put in a 12 volt-whats all needed

Nolan Jae · Feb 14, 2010

I have an old M rebuilt 20 years ago by a FFA class in Illinois. Great tractor and runs like a gem but these cold winter nights and days make starting it a bear! I want to convert to a 12 volt system and dont know where to start or what I need to change. Want an education here

Also I have some trouble with the carb. I had to rebuild it last year cuz father in law sold it to me after it sat for 3 years. It ran fine when I put it away but some gas ran out of the carb. Now it pours out and cant get it started. Took it apart again and still spills out. Talked with one guy who said I probably have a pin hole in the float which is allowing more fuel. Any ideas?

gregk · Feb 14, 2010

your carb problem could also be just the float sticking or the needle valve run by the float hanging up either way you will have to take it apart to find out. The twelve volt conversion is pretty straight forward from what I hear. You will need either a 12 volt coil or a resistor for your 6 volt coil, a alternator or a 12 volt generator which is the poorer choice, and 12 volt light bulbs if the lights work. The GM style 1 wire alternaters work but there are some better ones. If you do a search for this they will tell you what works the best usually. Good luck my M was converted when I got it so I don't know really how good I have it,lol.

Leroy · Feb 14, 2010

If you have a mag there is nothing on ignition to change. Just generator and voltage regulator and if lights the bulbs. And of course the battery.

730d se · Feb 14, 2010

Realizing that there is no contest when comparing the output or a generator versus an alternator, especially at slower speeds, the alternator will kill some value of your tractor. It is ugly, out of place, and as far from original as you can get.
A good 12 volt generator, regulator, and battery, will provide very strong and reliable starts.
The devil in getting good output at slow RPMs with an alternator is that these engines were not designed to lug at slow speeds. They are recommended to be run at fast idle (full throttle) and select a gear that matches the speed needed.
If operated as designed, the battery will get a good charge.

old · Feb 14, 2010

First off sounds like you need to rebuild that carb or get it rebuilt. Then as for 12 volts well if all is as it should be you probably do not need to switch. If it has a mag you can get by when it is real cold out just by setting a 12 volt battery in, ya poor mans 12 volt conversion but works if you have a mag and can be made to work with a distributor if you add a part #VR-1 which is as it looks like a voltage reducer but again still a poor mans set up

Anonymous-0 · Feb 14, 2010

i like the 10-si delco simple, cheap and reliable.the problem on H & M is mounting it so the belt and hood will work, unless you use a smaller diameter than the delco. if you don't won't to go to all that, you can replace your 6 volt reg. with a 12 volt reg. your generator can produce approx.17 volts more than enough to work with a 12 volt reg. the gen. will work o.k.with no more load demand than you will have, the gen. doesn't charge until the engine is running about 1/4 throttle or a little better is the drawback, i know of a couple H's and a M set up this way they work fine, you still have to change coil or add a resistor to ign. if it were me i would change the battery to neg. ground switch amp guage wires so it will register right, it may be possible to use pos.grd. with a 12 volt reg. not sure, i don't like pos. grd. myself, never have understood the purpose.

Allan in NE · Feb 15, 2010

Generator and regulator from off of an IH 560; it's a simple bolt on swap.

Oh, and don't forget to change to the 12V battery and all the light bulbs.

Allan

JBruce · Feb 15, 2010

Check the lip on the float where it pushes on the needle valve and if it has a worn spot it will cause the valve to stick. I just take it to the anvil and using a blunt dot punch and light hammer hit it on the back side to erase the worn spot. Shine with emery cloth and you are good to go.

M with 6 volt/ want to put in a 12 volt-whats all needed

Nolan Jae

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gregk

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Leroy

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730d se

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old

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Anonymous-0

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Allan in NE

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JBruce

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