Re: 1952 8n electrical problem

In Reply to: 1952 8n electrical problem posted by John Bear on April 08, 2023 at 09:03:28:

HiYa John- Welcome aboard. The important things are if you are using the original 6V/POS GRN Electrical system or a 12V conversion, either way, wiring each is different and must be correct for whichever. The 2nd point is if using the front mount distributor or the later angle (side) mount distributor. Parts and wiring are a bit different for each as well. Model year means nothing so don't rely on a s/n or a guess. 99.98% of all non-starting issues are due to incorrect wiring. Sanding down the starter motor mounting surface on the block and the starter motor itself are good so you maintain a good solid grounding connection. The 8N Ground Strap (+ POST) is designed to be fastened to the battery tray frame and works well - never any problems with me; p/n is 8N-14301, $22 at JUST8Ns. Sand down the bolt connection area too on the tray for same reason. Painted areas can cause failure to provide ground correctly. Having all the right manuals and documents also are a requirement. Switching back and forth between POS and NEG grounds can cause issues too. Your GEN needs to be polarized for whichever setup you plan to use, BUT, that isn't your non-starting problem. Usually done at testing when GEN is rebuilt, you can perform the task in a minute using your Voltage Regulator - see picture. Note terminal connections; if you guess or mix up connections you will fry the VR. A simple motoring test of your GEN too will polarize it too as long as you connect it right using whatever grn you use. I&T FO-4 Service Manual required. Finally you must have a fan belt tensioning bracket attached whether if using 6V or 12V, a GEN or an ALT, otherwise you will never charge the battery and operate the water pump effectively. 8N Operator's Manual is required. Here's some scans of manuals and documents. Go to the How-To's and Manuals forums here.

8N Wiring; Front Mount & Side Mount:

8N Front Mount:

8N Wiring after s/n 263843 w/side mount:

Ground strap connection on battery tray:

Proper Fan Belt Tension Must Be maintained:

Polarizing the GEN. NOTE - All 8Ns use the 'A' Circuit:

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