6v generator
- Thread starter Jim Cates
- Start date
Mike V. Florida
Well-known member
The short answer is yes. The generator is capable of something like 40 volts. The regulator is the battery. this is why when the generator does not see the battery due to dirty connections the bulbs burn out.
With that said, you can't get something for nothing, the generator will heat up more, and the current capability is not the same either. It is best to have it made for 12 volts.
With that said, you can't get something for nothing, the generator will heat up more, and the current capability is not the same either. It is best to have it made for 12 volts.
Kurt in NJ
Well-known member
The last time this was asked I was curious so I set up a good stock generator on the test machine with a thermocouple tucked into the field winding, the test machine can go 6--12v with the flip of a switch
At 6V it merrily churned out 6 amps, the field windings at 110 degrees after 20 minutes, then flipped machine to 12V , the output went to 28 amps, and in 39 seconds the temperature climbed to 165 degrees and I aborted the test
56 volts open circuit
I don't know if the field temperature would have stopped climbing at a "livable " temp or if the 3rd brush could have been adjusted enough to make the outcome sustainable
With different field coils It should work
I have a 12V battery in my car , no modifications to the car, I cut the xtra volts out of the battery with a sawzall-- this way when I am asked if I have 12V because of fast cranking and bright lights I can say yes---but
At 6V it merrily churned out 6 amps, the field windings at 110 degrees after 20 minutes, then flipped machine to 12V , the output went to 28 amps, and in 39 seconds the temperature climbed to 165 degrees and I aborted the test
56 volts open circuit
I don't know if the field temperature would have stopped climbing at a "livable " temp or if the 3rd brush could have been adjusted enough to make the outcome sustainable
With different field coils It should work
I have a 12V battery in my car , no modifications to the car, I cut the xtra volts out of the battery with a sawzall-- this way when I am asked if I have 12V because of fast cranking and bright lights I can say yes---but
Al 29Tudor
Well-known member
Mike and Kurt thanks for these answers.
I've never seen these issues spelled out so directly.
I'm going to send this out to the guys in our club.
Thanks again.
Al Leach
I've never seen these issues spelled out so directly.
I'm going to send this out to the guys in our club.
Thanks again.
Al Leach
BILL WILLIAMSON
Well-known member
Brother Purdy has run his 6 volt generator for YEARS on his 12 volt system ! !
Bill W.
Bill W.
Patrick L.
Well-known member
These generators should run for decades on 12v if the generator is set to a reasonable low normal output.