The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay 12 to 6 volt?

I have a new addition to my collection. It is a 53 half ton with a 12 volt batt and alt. I want to do an electrical tune-up. It appears to me the person that switched to 12 volt has a resistor before the coil. Wouldn't it be better to have a 12 volt coil? What about points, plugs and condensor; are they different for 12 volt?

Thanks, Jim

welcome to the shop Jim, this is the place to find your answers!

the 12V ignition setup uses an ignition resistor to cut the coil voltage by design [bypassed when the starter is engaged] - not needed with the 6V setup, and I'd expect you'll find the coil is marked 12V, or should be .... other parts the same for 6 or 12

Bill

jim72051,


Welcome to the Stovebolt. The coil is probably a 12 volt item. The purpose of the 'ballast resistor' is to reduce voltage to the ignition system when the rig is running to preserve the life of the points. It is wired such (or should be) that during START, the coil sees a full 12 volts, but during RUN it operates at about 8 or 9 volts.

All the other items should be the same regardless of voltage. If you need to, you can tell the counter-person that your engine is a later model which would have had a 12 volt system. I think this would work. Good luck and welcome.

Stuart

thanks for the quick responses. I'll just get a new 12 volt coil and start with everything fresh.

here is a pix of the car (the blue and white one)

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/jamesamackay/album/576460762399826474