Electrical: 8-Volt Battery?

[JohnM15]

I noticed that Batteries Plus recommends a 6 Volt and a 8 Volt for Studebaker. Has anyone tried the 8 Volt battery?

Seems to me it would be a problem. The voltage regulator would not charge it to 8 volts but would kick in when the 8 volt battery discharged way below 8 volts?

[jclary]

I have always thought of 8 volt batteries as a poor way of compensating for other problems. Although I was a little kid when the Olds and Cadillac V8 engines were becoming popular, the first 8 volts I remember were usually found in them. Six volt systems require more current than 12 volts and have less cold cranking reserve. The early V8 engines that were in need of a tune up, cold natured, mal-adjusted choke, etc. can drain a battery quickly. Since most 6 volt systems will take 8 volts without harming bulbs, gauges, etc, the 8 volts were promoted as a way to provide an extra kick and therefore better starting.

However, my thinking is that a 6 volt system needing attention, will continue to need attention even with the addition of an 8 volt battery. They are at best a "stop-gap" measure and eventually the problem that caused you to go to an 8 volt will get worse if not corrected.

A properly maintained 6 volt system will work just fine if everything is maintained and adjusted properly. Our old rides have enough potentially difficult parts to replace now, if you find yourself on the road needing a part. Why complicate it with another odd-ball item?

[Johnnywiffer]

I had an 8v battery in a '55 Prez HT. Supposedly, the regulator was set for 8v, too. Starter turned over really fast and lights were exceptionally bright--until the filaments blew out. Had both headlights and one tail light bulb go out one nite on a long trip. Had to limp home on the parking lights and one of them finally blew.

Be prepared.

John

[55s]

I also experimented with a new 8v.

You do need the better alternator - there were 2 - the Champion used a non-adjustable one. I also found that lights burned out more quickly.

The 1955 V8s generally did seem to turn over slower, even when everything seemed right but the engine was hot. Check all connections including the ground, have a new 6v, and make sure the starter is not dragging, and while it may be slow, it WILL start.

In future, I would invest in a good 6v.

[Tom Bredehoft]

Hard starting hot. My '53 did this. I took the starter to a reputable auto electric shop. He said one of the bushings was warn out and the armature was dragging on the winding, too much friction, not enough torque. He replaced the bushing and the armature and it fixed the hard start hot condition.

[rockne10]

Agree 100% with John Clary. An 8-volt battery is a band-aid for a correctable condition.

[52 Ragtop]

As I have "mentioned" to Dave Lester, It's gotta' be a ground! I used 00 cables on my 6 volt 52 ragtop with a 289 in it. Then I have run extra grounds to the dash lights and engine. I have no cranking problems, and my dash lights are "better" than most.
Good clean grounds and BIG cables!!

Jim

[MPallock]

I had the same problem with my 54 when it got hot. I resolved it by replacing the points with the Pertronix unit and the flame throwing coil. What made the biggest difference was to replace the regular 6v battery with a 6v Optima.
This has around 800CCA as opposed to 500 from the regular 6v. What everyone else is saying RE cables is correct. The bigger the better. Also check the timing make sure it is not to far advanced.

Mark

[Brizzleblue]

I had the same problem with my 54 when it got hot. I resolved it by replacing the points with the Pertronix unit and the flame throwing coil. What made the biggest difference was to replace the regular 6v battery with a 6v Optima.
This has around 800CCA as opposed to 500 from the regular 6v. What everyone else is saying RE cables is correct. The bigger the better. Also check the timing make sure it is not to far advanced.

Mark

I had a starting problem on my 41' . I bought a 6 volt alternator, rather than the dynamo, a 6 volt Optima battery, and replaced the ground cable and the cable to the starter. Starts really well. I can recommend the Optima battery, You will have to adjust the battery holder though as it is so much smaller than regular batteries.

[JohnM15]

I am now a retired electrical engineer and I must say that all these comments about swapping out a 6V with a 8V (and maybe a tweek on the voltage regulator) I agree with. But if one converts the electrical system to be compatible with 8V (all electrical components) then that is a different story. Moving to a higher voltage reduces the current requirements is an advantage. This is why modern car have 12V systems and why there are 24V systems out there. Also note that power tools have also moved to higher voltages. Why did I start this thread? Well, I have learned over the years is that sometimes theory is not strictly applicable to life, sometimes there are extenuating circumstances not accounted for in the theory. Often referred to the "human effect". Thanks all.

[jclary]

Why did I start this thread? Well, I have learned over the years is that sometimes theory is not strictly applicable to life, sometimes there are extenuating circumstances not accounted for in the theory. Often referred to the "human effect". Thanks all.

Why attempt to push the envelope?

Good discussion. We need to keep reminding each other of the importance of renewing our old cracked and corroded original wiring systems. In cases where these cars are stored in attached garages or near dwellings is a mater of life and death.

[14x7]

I thought a pertronix kit could only be used with a 12 volt distribtor? Could someone please answer this?

[Tom Bredehoft]

I have a Pertronix unit in my '53, its 6 volt, so they have made them.

[JohnM15]

I bought a pertronix as 6 volt positive ground and it work like a champ. I had to make a bunch of mods to install it into my auto-lite champion distributor but it worked out fine.

[Anne F. Goodman]

Mabel my 49 Champion was having problems starting she used to start just fine hot or cold. WEll she got alot of attention over the coarse of three weeks. She got a valve job compression tested. New point condenser. Starter checked out generator checked. She then got a new coil. Well 8 volt battery was discussed but I had just bought a new 6 volt a few months ago . I have two big braided cables as ground. I am happy to report she starts within two cranks hot or cold every time now. So eventually if you keep at it you will solve the problem.