My 1949 8n is still 6 volt. A couple of years ago I put in new plugs, coil, points, and I rebuilt the distributor. After that it started better than ever and ran great for a year or so. But starting last summer, it was as if the battery was having trouble keeping a charge. This wasn't a problem because all I needed was to turn it over a couple of times and it would start. I tried charging the battery but I got the same result every time. So a couple of weeks ago I bought a new battery and installed it, and this time it barely was able to turn over the engine. I charged the battery but it didn't seem to make much difference. Next, I replaced the 4 ga. positive cable with a 2 gauge, so now both my cables are 2 ga. But again, I have barely enough juice to turn over the engine.

I know having heavy cables is important for a 6 volt. At this point, should I try again with the cables and get a new set from Just 8ns? Or should I give up and do a 12 volt conversion? This bugs me because I've had the tractor for five winters now and this is the first time I haven't been able to get it started.

BTW my fuel system seems to be in good shape and I had plenty of power all summer.

Thanks.

Did you also replace the cable from the start switch to the starter? I would also check or have the starter tested.

Both ideas below are well worth merit. Take apart the neg cable ground and clean it up, even if it "looks" clean. Same with the pos. I lost count of how many people in the past I have told this to, then comes the reply, "It looks clean." I take it apart, show them the corrosion, clean it up and the starting problems are magically cleared up from a "Looks Clean" connection.

Does your cable have a clamp on end? If so make sure it is clean inside the clamp.

Make sure you have a good ground