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For the past half dozen newsletters we have been
discussing the Model T electrical system and how to get the best out of our
coils, magnetos, sparkplugs and the accessory distributors. That
about finishes the electrical system but before we leave the topic let's
take a brief look at using a 12 volt battery instead of a 6 volt one.
The T was originally intended to run without the need of any
battery and the fact that you could do so was advertised as a plus. In
the early years, most folks did connect a set of dry cell batteries for
easier starting though. When used only for powering the coils while
starting the T, the dry cells would usually last an entire driving season.
In 1919 the closed Fords came out with a 6 volt storage battery, generator
and starter as standard equipment. The open cars were still magneto
only. Then Ford added the battery system to open cars for an
additional $75.00. The starter was very well made and really overbuilt
for 6 volts. This certainly makes the 6 to 12 volt conversion more
practical! The generator was another story. It was marginally
designed at best and gave problems even when the T was the main
transportation on the road. But... marginal or not, it can charge a 12
volt battery just as well as it can charge a 6 volt battery as long as the
charging rate is cut in half.
There are certainly advantages in converting the T to the modern 12 volt
system. A 6 volt system will not
run the coils well at speeds about 20 or 25 miles an hour! A 12 volt
battery will make the coils work at pretty much any speed. A real plus
if you have a poor magneto. A 12 volt battery will give you QUICK
starts! If you don't believe that, listen to any 12 volt T when the
driver cranks it up! This brings up an important point. Your
starter and Bendix MUST
be in good shape or 12 volts will cause you to wish they had been!
Timing should also be correct. You do not
want the engine to kick back when the starter is spinning at 12 volts!
A broken bendix or bent starter shaft are very likely!
The Model T generator is pretty dumb. It doesn't know 12 volts from 6
volts and will happily put out 10 or 12 amps to a 12 volt battery just as it
will a 6 volt one... for a very short time!
It will then self destruct with hot solder flying everywhere. If
running 12 volts, you should set the charge rate at not more than 6 amps and
probably 5 would make your generator happier. You will need to change
the cutout from a 6 volt one to a 12 volt one.
I'd suggest considering one of the 12 volt alternators that all the Model T
suppliers offer. They not only offer higher output but they
automatically adjust the charging rate based on the battery's charge.
This is a real plus. The higher output lets you put brighter bulbs in
the headlights and the automatic charging give you much longer battery life
and longer periods between adding water.
The only other change needed is to replace the 6 volt light bulbs with 12
volt ones.
By the way... The Model T battery should be installed with the
negative terminal attached to the frame and the positive terminal attached
to the starter cable. Because the Model A reversed these connections,
you will sometimes find Model T's with the connections reversed.
So... what does all this work give us? A T that will start faster and,
I believe, will run better on coils or distributor with lights that
make it possible to actually see where you are going after dark! I've
got a set of 55 watt halogen bulbs in my 12 that you have to see to believe!
I'd like to hear from you if you have any questions or comments concerning
anything we've covered in past issues. Whether you agree or disagree,
just write, call or email. My number and address is on the front
cover.
See you down the road…
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