Thread: I think we have the wrong battery here folks

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I'm in the process of rewiring my 52 F-1 and encountered this problem. The battery is an 8-volt unit. I finished all of the wiring and tested all of the lights. They work but the new (6-volt) headlights that I put in are both burned out after only being on for about a minute. I am just trying to confirm my suspicions here. The truck ran when I bought it but needed work. The previous owner had 12 volt headlamps in it but the wires were cut off. He did change the front grill and I thought he may have stuck the 12 volt ones in just to fill the holes. Now I'm thinking he had 12-volt lamps in because of the 8 volt battery and was burning the 6-volt lamps out. This is kinda like "well dah" math here but powering 6-volt lamps with 8-volts isn't good, that's 33% more than the rated voltage and I think even 10% over is pushing it. On the other hand, powering 12-volt lamps with 8-volts is a 33% drop and even though they wouldn't very bright, at least they would work. Does this make sense or were 8-volt batteries a norm? I'd think that with 33% more voltage, I'm putting way too voltage on not only the lamps but the gauges, voltage regulator, capacitor and sensors as well.
Thanks,
Jeff

I ran a 8 volt battery in a 6 volt Studebaker with a Olds engine years ago for several years and don't remember having light problems, but it started better. Just saying.

Jack.

8 volt battery in 6 volt system was discussed here awhile ago because of the charging system..6 Volts just don't spin the engine fast enough unless everything else is right..I have changed the hole system to 12 volts. With less volts it take more amps to do anything. So your 6 volt wire size is good .Unless the wires are fraid. Your 6 volt starter will work with 12 volts. I've been using 12 v on my 8N for 5 or 6 years now. no problems and my dump truck (6 volt) has been on 12 volts for 15 years.just change the bulbs .

Thanks,
I'll stay with the 8-volt battery then. The starter is doing it's job. Back to the bulb problem....any ideas why they might burn out right away? I had them installed and they worked fine (high and low beams) none of the other lamps have burned out. Voltage regulator maybe? Wagner head lamps?
Help,
Jeff

I would check the generator output, you may be putting out well above the maximum voltage (7-8 volts). If it is chances are the regulator is bad.

Changed the VR (polorized) and bought new headlights. I'll let you all know the results in a few days.
Jeff

I've finished the wiring and all seems to be fine but now I have a new problem....oil pressure gauge which I'll start a new thread on.