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6 to 12 volt conversion

Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2006 7:05 am
by oldrookie
74 Honda CL125S. Want to convert to 12 volt throughout. Surely SOMEONE has done this. Can anyone provide any leads on who may have information on this?
Thanks.

Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2006 2:02 pm
by mydlyfkryzis
I've done a boat. PITA

You have to change:
Alternator, regulator, rectifier, all bulbs, ignition condenser, coils, Electric Starter, Starter Solenoid. Basically anything electric except the wiring.
6 Volts draw more amps than 12Volt so the wiring itself should be adequate.

Other than wanting to change, why do you want to?

6 to 12 volt conversion

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 12:06 pm
by oldrookie
Pita, Thanks for responce. I too have done a conversion on a pickup and a tractor. I was looking for specific part or year designation particularly for the alternator/generator assembly. Especially as it has to fit in the case and properly attach. It is a kick start so I will not have to deal with starter woes. As long as I can get the generator information; I can 'wing' the rest.
Tip: if you ever do another auto/truck changeover; consider NOT changing the starter. Yes, I'm serious. Before I changed over my tractor; I inquired about a 'kit' on a FORD TRACTOR' site. The kit did not include a starter. When I asked why; I was told it was not necessary. Sure enough. Ive been cranking the old 641 Workmaster for twelve years now. No problems. Maybe it is just the tractor starters were made that resilient.
Why do I want to change? Starting ease and headlight candlepower.

Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 1:25 pm
by mydlyfkryzis
The starter was on a boat. Maybe it would be O.K. But you don't want to find out the starter smoked when you are out on the ocean and aren't able to walk on water. 8)

boat starter

Posted: Fri Aug 25, 2006 11:05 am
by oldrookie
Are we aquatically challenged? Hummmmmmm? No, seriously. That application would lean anyone capable of independent thought toward the wisest choice. Like I mean a NEW starter. Afterall, If the tractor croaks, I just have to walk 50 yards on terra firma; grab a beer and go online for another starter. Don't see it happening though. It only cranks for about one to 1.5 seconds before it lights. Still using the 6volt Champion H10 plugs. Bet the spark is something to behold.

Posted: Fri Aug 25, 2006 3:57 pm
by mydlyfkryzis
1940 Chrysler Crown Marine engine. (2 Engines). New parts are scarce for those old flat head 6 engines. Belt driven alternators are easy, but starters have to fit.

Old engines are a challenge. Reliable as hell though.

6 to 12v

Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 4:16 pm
by slimcolo
Don't know about Honda but on HD Change bulbs,condenser,coil,regulator,fields and armature (avail for32E gen fron Vtwin) This will give you a 2 brush system.

If lighting is the problem get a bosch halogen H-4 kit. Throw away 12v bulb and get a 6V one. Expensive 12V H-4 $7 6V H-4 $25

Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2007 4:45 pm
by crazypj
Its a permanent magnet system. depending on the exact type you may be able to fit all the parts from a CB175/200. There may be a single cylinder 125/185/200/230 that has 12v parts but I dont know which one if any. The Chinese copy is 12v so parts will be cheaper than Honda.
PJ

XL350

Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2009 7:02 am
by bseago
I have a 75 Honda XL350 and would like to convert it to 12 volt. It is kick start so that solves one problem. Do i need to change the alternator or just the voltage regulator?