8 volt battery question

The short answer is yes. But you will have to have someone good at voltage regulators to reset the regulator properly. And your lights will be brighter (but burn out quicker). Plus check your resistor so your coil gets 4 volts.
6 volt flatheads start fine with properly maintained ignition systems. Find out why yours doesn't start "faster". John
 
My first suggestion would be stay with 6 volts. Fix your problems instead of putting a bandaid on them. Be sure all grounds are clean and the cables are the right size of 6 volts. Six volt cables are larger than the 12 volt cables and most parts houses don't know the difference. If you have to do anything, go to 12 volts.

Charlie Stephens
 
I am using 6 volts with no problems. I have the higher candle power lights all around and I had my regulator set a hair higher. All of my ground points are clean and fastened well. Starter was cleaned up and turns my new engine over just fine.
 
After making sure everything is clean/correct size etc, and still want more cranking amps, go with a 6V Optima.
 
That's the equivalent of using a bigger hammer. The brute force of extra voltage may mask your connectivity problems, but it's not a cure.
 
We either go 6 or 12 volt.An 8 volt battery is hard to charge and will wipe out headlight bulbs faster than you would ever imagine.6 or 12. James
 
displayguy said:
Thanks guys! I got it. Possibly it is the starter. Who is the best to rebuild the old starter?
Click to expand...

I just replaced my tired old starter with a new one and it made all the difference in the world for starting. I just got the one ready to go from Mac's and it's worked fine. (I know - it's the "WalMart" for early Ford parts and not the many "boutiques" that rebuild them. But it's working great for me.) Here it is without the Bendix drive if you're interested: http://macsautoparts.com/early-v8-s...-60-hp-18-11002/camid/F30/cp/JS0R3CHL1076093/ Or, this one with the drive: (what I got and recommend) http://macsautoparts.com/early-v8-s...-v8-18-11002-n6/camid/F30/cp/JS0R3CHL1129453/
 
I like the 8volt system, I have been useing it in my 46 for ten years,
the biggest problem was adjusting the regulator so it put out 9.3
volts, other than just replacing a bulb now and then, mostly just the dash
bulbs, maybe 5 in ten years, no headlight or tail light problems, one parking
light bulb, all the lights are nice and bright just like if they were 12 volt
 
I use an 8 volt in my CJ2A jeep. All I did was adjust the voltage regulator for higher output. Works fine. I doubt if many of these old cars are run after dark anyway. Friend Jack got pulled over with his 40' at night. Cop said the lights were too dim.......
 
displayguy said:
Thanks guys! I got it. Possibly it is the starter. Who is the best to rebuild the old starter?
Click to expand...
The best person to rebuild your the starter is right down the street. That leads me to my question where, in general, are you located? You might try contacting the local chapter of the Early Ford V8 Club and see who members recommend (earlyfordv8.org for addresses off lcoal clubs).

Charlie Stephens
 
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