8 Volt Batteries

[Roger440IC]

My 6 volt battery died on my 440ic and it's time to buy a new one. I often use my machine to push snow and when the temps are down below 0 deg F it really turns slowly and sometimes doesn't start. Any thoughts on replacing it with an 8 volt battery?
Thanks,
Roger

[DukeofDeere]

My 420 is used for the same in the winter.
Good quality battery cables/connections and large enough ones is key.
I kept it original and had the starter rebuilt and have had no problems in several years.
I also tuned the ignition and carb so I am able to start it with a hand crank just for fun.

Duke

[Gil]

I personally have never used an 8 volt battery but I know that many old timers used them to get a little extra kick with no problem. You would have to see that your generator / regulator was set to charge up to the higher voltage. I seem to remember that auto racers use the 8 volt batteries so they must be around. I would not buy one if they are too expensive. I would put the money into getting my other components up to spec like DukeOfDeere said. Gil

[Paul Buhler]

I'll echo Duke's and Gil's comments. I ultimately replaced my wiring harness as a last step in upgrading my ignition system, and now have a very reliably starting 6v system The wires, connections and insulation all break down over time causing shorting problems that are frustrating to deal with. I rebuilt my starter brushes, bushings and thrust washers for about $18, and replaced the battery wire to the starter with the proper gauge which made a world of difference sending the power to both the starter and the ignition system - fires up quickly and easily 'year 'round now.
BTW, Gil has written a nice piece here on searching for, and solving ignition problems which I found very helpful troubleshooting.

Paul

[Howard Yoder]

also remeber in the winter time to push your clutch in before you try to start it.

[shinnery]

About 55 to 57 years ago I had a 48 Plymouth with fairly low compression and used an 8 volt battery to get it to start. I believe I had a generator shop set the regulator a couple of times getting it to charge adequately. But I ate headlites constantly. I would search the junkyards for bulbs that had 6-8V on the back of them and still they lasted less than a week. If you are using one in the winter you would probably need lights on your crawler most of the time and I don't believe 6V crawler headlites are as available as they were in the 1950s. Get it working on 6 Volts, it's cheaper in the long run.
Bryce

[Roger440IC]

Guys,
I've rebuilt the starter, replaced the battery cables and rewired the whole dozer. Perhaps I just got a bad battery. Thanks for your wisdom, I'll stick with a 6 volt battery.
Roger