Register now to get rid of these ads!

6 volt system, 8 volt battery?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by AlexanderW, Sep 8, 2013.

  1. AlexanderW
    Joined: Apr 15, 2013
    Posts: 15

    AlexanderW
    Member
    from Washington

    I have a 1953 Buick Special. I just pulled out my starter the other day to get it gone through/rebuilt, since that's just about toast and been having problems with the car starting. I was speaking to a man earlier today, and he was telling me I can run an 8 volt battery in it. Anyone know anything about this? Or any advice or suggestions? Thanks!

    [​IMG]
     
  2. e1956v
    Joined: Sep 29, 2009
    Posts: 2,578

    e1956v
    Alliance Vendor

    Not a big fan of 8 volt batteries, if you go that route you will need to adjust the voltage regulator set point so the battery won't be under charged, even after that you run the risk of burning up the generator. I will not warranty our rebuilds on 6 volt generators if a 8 volt battery is used. My opinion, since you have had the starter rebuilt buy the best 6 volt battery you can, replace the cables with the proper size large 6 volt cables and clean all grounds in the circuit with a file. Make sure you have a ground from battery to block, block to firewall, and firewall to battery (this is a complete ground circuit) . I think this will take care of your problems.

    Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
     
  3. T McG
    Joined: Feb 12, 2005
    Posts: 1,263

    T McG
    Member
    from Phoenix

    It does work but you need to have an adjustable voltage regulator so you can up the voltage to keep the battery charged, and eventually it will start to burn out the bulbs.

    Most battery shops will have the batterys available.
     
  4. AlexanderW
    Joined: Apr 15, 2013
    Posts: 15

    AlexanderW
    Member
    from Washington

    Thanks guys! I'll be getting those cables and new battery tomorrow e1956v.
     
  5. Greasemachine
    Joined: Feb 3, 2007
    Posts: 153

    Greasemachine
    Member
    from San Diego

    I used two Optima 6v batteries, wired them parallel and got twice the amps. They are skinny and take the same room as a normal battery. Just expensive. If you drive only short distance, put them on a charger, because the orig generator might not be that strong.
     
  6. Mike51Merc
    Joined: Dec 5, 2008
    Posts: 3,855

    Mike51Merc
    Member

    8 volt batteries are a Band-Aid approach for loose or corroded connections.
     
  7. AlexanderW
    Joined: Apr 15, 2013
    Posts: 15

    AlexanderW
    Member
    from Washington

  8. Frankie47
    Joined: Dec 20, 2008
    Posts: 1,877

    Frankie47
    Member
    from omaha ne.

    Yes, you can.......no, you shouldn't.....clean and inspect your wiring points for your grounds, then use star washers to really get a bite into the metal. Your exposed clean grounds and tight connections will really help a 6V system!
     
  9. snaptwo
    Joined: Apr 25, 2011
    Posts: 696

    snaptwo
    Member

    I had a '50 Olds with a tired 303 , on suggestion from friends I went with an 8 volt batt. , it cured the starting problem but because of the higher VR setting , it ate generators left and right . I would advise not to do it .
     
  10. 5559
    Joined: Oct 25, 2012
    Posts: 362

    5559
    Member
    from tn

    buy the lowest gauge (biggest wire dia.) that you can find.Its been a while but i think i used 00 cable ----but thats been a long time ,probably dont even size wire like that anymore
     
  11. R Pope
    Joined: Jan 23, 2006
    Posts: 3,309

    R Pope
    Member

    I agree with most of the above, fix what's wrong with the 6v system. An 8v battery is a band-aid fix at best, and causes more problems than it fixes.
     
  12. forty1fordpickup
    Joined: Aug 20, 2008
    Posts: 298

    forty1fordpickup
    Member

    Definitely correct. An 8 volt battery is a bandaid for bad connections. Check all lines and grounds.
     
  13. paul55
    Joined: Dec 1, 2010
    Posts: 3,491

    paul55
    Member
    from michigan

    pops has been running 8 volt battery and alternator on his '52 olds for yrs with no problems at all. Better start and a little brighter lights. Drives it all over the country!
     
  14. roughneck424
    Joined: Jan 10, 2009
    Posts: 1,082

    roughneck424
    Member

    Yep I had some made at a Diesel Truck Shop. The OO guage is the way to go with 6Volt
     
  15. jan bogert
    Joined: Jul 11, 2011
    Posts: 655

    jan bogert
    Member

    had an 8 volt battery in my '53 henry j for over 7 years, with no problems. faster starts, brighter lghts. just adjust your voltage reg. to 9.2 and your done. I sold the car in Aug. this year. I still have the new battery tender 8 volt if your interested.
     

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.