40c distributor

[AllenS]

Is the distributor on a JD 40 crawler the same as a JD 40 tractor? I would like to switch from points to electronic ignition on my 40c. Has anyone else done this? Any problems? Anything else that I need to change?

[Lavoy]

Distributor is the same. I did a 6volt electronic conversion, and was substantially less than impressed, finally threw it away. A 12 volt electronic would probably work well, but then you have to convert the rest of the crawler to 12 volts as well as change polarity.
Lavoy

[AllenS]

I did a 12 volt conversion to my 1949 Farmall H in the mid 1970s, and then put in the electronic ignition last year and now with just a slight bump on the starter button it is running. Did a electronic ignition to my 1944 Farmall H with a 6 volt system pos ground and it starts about like when it had points with it turning over for a while, but I never have to adjust the points any more. Decisions, decisions. Thanks, Lavoy for the reply.

[Lavoy]

2 cylinder John Deere's are prone to breaking the nose cone off of the starter on 12 volts, and no parts are available other than another used starter if you do.
The 6 volt system on a 2 cylinder in my experience is poor at best. Cranking voltage drops down below required voltage for the ignition to work, so you are trying to start an engine with no spark. It only sparks when you let off the starter button. 2 cylinder cranks way different than a 4 cylinder.
I converted Dad's M International 30 years ago, still on points, still starts great.
Lavoy

[dtoots1]

Lavoy,

I believe that you also recommend taking the 6volt starter and converting it also to 12volt..which helps eliminate the nose cone breakage?? when converting the system to 12 volt.

[Lavoy]

Yes, converting the starter to true 12 volts will eliminate that potential.
Lavoy

[Stan Disbrow]

Hi,

On the other hand, my 1950 M and 1958 420c both start right up on their original six volts. Unless a spider got in between the points. That happened once.

But ya gotta keep all the connections really good or else.

Stan

[fundytides]

I agree with Stan. My 40c retains original 6v electrical system, is used only infrequently, and generally starts on the first turn or 2 even after sitting for a few weeks or so. My son in law has the same experience with his MC.

[Lavoy]

Yes, we have a shed full of 6 volt crawlers, only one partially converted to 12 volts is my 440, and going to build a starter for it when I get time.
Lavoy

[gus]

A long time back, people used to use 8V batteries. They still available? Still used in 6V equipment?

[Lavoy]

They are still around, but no gain. THe total avaialable watts of power is less than a 6 volt battery, and the 6 volt charging system on these crawlers will not charge the battery past 6 volts without adjustment of the voltage regulator, if it is even adjustable.
Lavoy

[Stan Disbrow]

Hi,

I know places like Batteries Plus still have them. IH uses these. Maybe places like Tractor Supply as well. I haven't looked there.

I use them for portable no-generator field radio operation. I series an 8 with a 6 to make a 14v battery. The radios are designed for use in a running vehicle so this works better than any 12v battery.

As far as in an old crawler, no gain as pointed out. And then you have to swap the regulator out for an IH one at the least. And then maybe the generator as well depending. As-is the battery won't get enough voltage.

Stan

[dtoots1]

Stan,

Now that got me curious...if you stack a 6 volt and an 8 volt battery together..in 12 volt charging system..that normally charges at 14 volts...will it charge both batteries properly?...i don't really suppose so, but curious..i know can use larger to jump smaller, but usually cannot leave them on long..what happens to the 6 and 8 over time...will 6 drain 8 down ?

[Stan Disbrow]

Hi,

No, the 12v charging system won't properly charge a 6+8v battery in series. It only goes to 14v and that is the nominal voltage for the 6+8 combination. You might get Float out of it - where the battery is not charging or discharging but just sitting there with enough voltage that the acid isn't chewing on the plates.

The cells are 2v nominal, 2.1v float, 2.2v charged and 1.9v discharged. Charging voltage is 2.3v. So for a 12v system we have 6 cells and so 12v nominal, 12.6v float, 13.2v charged, 11.4 v discharged and 13.8v charging.

Cut all those in half for a 6v battery and the 3 cells. 6v nominal, 6.3v float, 6.6v charged, 5.7v discharged and 6.9v charging - and see why an 8v battery won't charge in a 6v system. You need 9.2v....

Now, with a 6+8 in series I use an adjustable DC power supply as a charger. So, I can raise it up above a battery charger and so get the voltage to where I need it to be at 16.1v. Just don't have anything else connected as most stuff will be decidedly unhappy above 14.5v. But I'm after the 14v nominal to 14.2v float which is as high as the battery will be freshly charged but off of the power supply. The battery will stay at 14v for hours. I can even run it to a deep discharge to 13v before it is done and still get full power out of the radio transmitter power amplifier.

What I do is leave the 6+8 on float and then grab and go with my portable radio setup and a folding table and chair and tent and literally go into a field to operate. No generator, and the battery is good for a day or so. Ham radio even has a Field Day at the end of June every year.

Your last question would have the 8v in parallel with the 6v. So, the 6v would rapidly drain the 8v. The only current limit would be the hookup cables. That would flow a lot of current. It might damage both batteries. And it would surely discharge the 8v fairly rapidly in any case.

Stan

[dtoots1]

Stan,
Wow you sure are a font of knowledge! I for one sure appreciate your expertise.

I believe what you are saying basically...is that when "jumping" a battery you are actual doing so that would actually be in parallel?

I do not have any equipment with 2 batteries so i don't recollect my high school knowledge in regards to series hookup...I think that actually means negative to positives and positive to negative? which actually effectively adds the 2 charges