Re: 6 to 8 volt?

Posted by Peter Packard On 2012/1/5 16:36:09

G'day all, I tried an 8 Volt battery in my 38 Six for five years but went back to 6V because: Firstly the OEM regulator was non temperature compensating so the initial voltage to keep the battery charged at 9.6 V, was up to 10.5 V. I kept blowing bulbs if I switched the lights on within around 1 minute of starting the veh.
Secondly, the 38 Six did not have lighting relays and the ammeter carries all of the lighting and charging amps. I upgraded the lights to 50/50 Watts each and the Ammeter was really starting to cook before the regulator heated up and stabilised the voltage.
I would not go back to 8V and have sorted out the six volt system, including fitting a later 50's 6V starter with almost double the cranking torque.
I would agree with O-D to check your cable gauge and earths before trying 8V. best regards Peter Toet