TO-20 8N Massey Fergusson & Ford Tractors  6 volt System Maintenance and Upgrades         Circadea.com  Home Contact

The electrical system on these tractors get tired with age. You can  spend a lot of time fussing with them and find yourself getting nowhere.
One of the biggest issues is that the battery cable wiring is on the light side for 6v systems.

Many folks convert them over to 8 or 12 volt which can be quite an undertaking needing a special bracket and a suitable alternator. 

Keeping it stock or Upgrading:

Some Simple Solutions.

With time all the connections have a tendency to attract corrosion.
I suggest downloading or printing  a T0-20 diagram  or 8n diagram and start removing and burnishing all connections a section at a time verifying your work as you go.

  • Generator
  • Battery
  • Voltage Regulator
  • Ignition System
  • Starter
  • Ampere Gauge
Corrosion on the amp gauge terminals can render these inoperative  or intermittent. Remove Terminals and clean.
Do not apply voltage to meter without the shunt / metal band on back of meter used for mounting firmly mounted to the gauge.  Most of the current needs to go through  that strap or you will end up frying your meter and needing a new one.







The 2/0 Battery Wire Upgrade

Tools:

Hack saw or cable cutter for cutting Cable

Knife of some Sort for Removing Insulation.
I prefer a utility knife.

Some form of crimper. In a pinch you can use a vice
but it probably will not look pretty.

I use a Hydraulic Crimper
I purchased one which inspired me to upgraded the battery cables on all my vehicles.

There are also anvil types that you strike with a hammer
 and ones that look and work similarly to a bolt cutter. 


Parts Stores often
have these for making
custom battery cables.


Heat Gun for heat shrinking the heat shrink.


























Materials:

Military Style Battery Terminals




2/0 welding Cable  6 feet.

This was  enough on my TO-20  to be able to  run wire from the battery to the starter solenoid and
 to a ground near the starter.  I recommend you  measure your own tractor and compensate for routing the oversize wire to where it is convenient to run. I used an old heavy piece of extension cord and measured twicce  then thought my way through the installation and any possible issues like a failed crimp and added a bit more. Then measured again.

I clamp or weight  the cable down so I can concentrate
on getting the end situated snugly in the terminal.


Heat Shrink with Self Sealing Adhesive

1 foot should be plenty.

Tempco Eye type Terminal Ends 3/8" 2/0 gauge wire.
Military or Automotive type battery Clamps.  3/8" bolt.

Solder or not to solder?
There are two camps.
Decide which camp you agree with and go that direction.
The military airplane guys tend not to  solder.
The hot rod guys generally do solder.  Video of both methods.

USE E6000 adhesive alternatively under heat shrink for waterproof.