6 volt versus 8 volt battery?

rumblefish351
rumblefish351 Member
in HUDSON
I bought a 6v battery a few days ago. It only has 640 cca. I talked to the auto parts place and they suggested I go with an 8 volt battery.  Not sure about that. Any suggestions?

Comments

  • 50C8DAN
    50C8DAN Senior Contributor
    Did the 6V not turn the engine over or?  I would stay away from 8V batteries and make sure you have good battery cables and good ground.  I have had the original 6V system on my 50C8 and never had a problem starting.  Your system is not designed for an 8V battery and your gen will not charge up to 8V it unless you modify your voltage regulator.  You will also be stressing the lighting and other electrical components, unless you modify them as well.  If you need more CCA then go with a 6V Optima battery.
  • rumblefish351
    rumblefish351 Member

    Optima Battery 8010-044 6V RedTop Starting Battery with 800 cca?

  • 50C8DAN
    50C8DAN Senior Contributor
    Yes that is the one.  However, I have had 2 NAPA 6V batteries over the last 12 years and never had an issue with them.
  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    Even if you go with the "old fashioned" lead acid battery, you can get one with 780 CCA (made by DEKA).  Up around $100.  There are still a number of 6v batteries still on the market, always check the CCA when buying.  That said, the Optima batteries are well regarded and seem to have a long life, and the falling prices make them more and more attractive.  Of course they don't "look" right, so you might want to invest another $100 in a permanent "fake battery" hollow enclosure for them.
  • iceblade10
    iceblade10 Member
    Sir, step away from the 8V battery.  I, too, have only used a NAPA 6V battery, and have never had any problems with car firing right up.
  • Lance
    Lance Member
    rumblefish, have you considered looking at the state of your wiring in the car?   Cars that used stranded steel wire and had crumbling insulation and built up corrosion are not going to improve with an 8 volt tractor battery. Incidentally, you will have to adjust your voltage regulator for the increased voltage or you will fry it. How about a new wiring harness? BTW 12 volts on an old 6 volt wiring setup can mean a fire. I came across a nice 54 Hollywood Hornet burned to a crisp a few years ago because of this. The easy way is not always the best way. Your 6 volt car will work fine if the system is looked after.   If it's Blue Tooth, AC or the need for other accessories to run on 12 volts fine, then switch to 12 volts. but in any event replace your wiring.
  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    edited May 2017
    Don't they make an "inverter" for changing 6 volts pos. ground to accessories with 12 volts neg. ground?  If that's so, one could simply plug the modern 12 volt accessories to the inverter and leave the rest of the car's electrical system alone.


  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    8 volts  will make all the bulbs go black eventually.  Or burn out.  Better to keep you system maintained properly with all tight and clean connections, and  adequate wiring.
  • junkcarfann
    junkcarfann Expert Adviser
    Jon B said:
    Don't they make an "inverter" for changing 6 volts pos. ground to accessories with 12 volts neg. ground?  If that's so, one could simply plug the modern 12 volt accessories to the inverter and leave the rest of the car's electrical system alone.


    Is this like a perpetual motion machine? (just kidding!) :p
  • Jay_G
    Jay_G Expert Adviser

    yep, burned up two of these things.  They may work well for a very low powered radio (I would not know).  I do know a good base note from a low powered external amp lets all the magic smoke out.

    Jay

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