[Farmall] Turning on the magneto switch on Farmall "H"

[DBigdog]

Tim,
    Some 12 volt conversions require alternator speeds higher than normally 
seen in the older tractor engines to get the alternator charging unless they 
are manually excited..  The previous owner apparently set up the toggle 
switch to temporarily apply voltage to the alternator to excite it so it 
would start charging.  This is often done with a diode or small lamp bulb 
which will allow the alternator to start charging but not bleed back through 
the component to drain the battery when not running.  I have also seen this 
done with a pushbutton to prevent leaving the switch in the on position.
    The switch actually has nothing to do with the magneto at all.  As long 
as you don't forget to switch it off after exciting the alternator you will 
be OK.  If it were me I'd replace it with a diode to eliminate the need for 
the switch altogether or at the minimum I'd replace it with a small 
momentary contact pushbutton.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Tim Savelle
To: Farmall/IHC mailing list
Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 7:03 PM
Subject: [Farmall] Turning on the magneto switch on Farmall "H"


One more question (for today, that is)....

Ref: the switch on the side of the amp meter box beneath the steering
wheel.  The guy I bought the tractor from told me to flip what he called the
magneto toggle switch up and then immediately back down to start current
flowing to the battery for recharging when the tractor is running.  It has a
12 volt system.  Does this sound correct, that you would flip the switch up
and then back down?  Just out of curiosity, why is it necessary to do this?
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