Spark Plugs

[Howard]

Question:
Time permitting this weekend I intend to convert the ignition system over to 12v. I have read up elsewhere on MLU about this but I have one question. I am fitting new spark plugs, should I regap (increase gap) the plugs to handle the extra jolt? And is the condensor OK with the increased load?
Thanks all,
HH

[jim sewell]

6 volt to 12 volt
Just use the specifications supplied for the engine , condenser leave as it is , use a 12volt coil .
Regards
Jim S

[Howard]

Thanks Jim.
This forum is the best on the web. The members of this community should be proud of the spirit of sharing & co-operation that exists with all members.
Just wait 'till the F15 roars into your town on it's national tour! (For the o'seas members.... sorry you'll have to come to me.)
Cheers,
HH

[Tim Berry]

Hi Howard. Just wondering what you are going to do with the starter and generator on 12 volts. When I was running my F15A during restoration on 12 volts the starter kicked up a fuss.
A learned gentleman in Toowoomba who has repaired this gear for 40 years recommended staying 6 volt as 12 volt was too hard on the starter motor leading to early burn out. This happened to me. I believe the old ford generator can deliver enough charge to keep a 12 volt battery happy with minor modification.

The secret to 6 volts is earthing. I went and beefed up my earthing straps and even made new ones. She now starts well even when very hot. Also use the old wire core ignition leads on 6 volts. Just my thoughts mate. Feel free to contact me here in Toowoomba if you need any help.

Tim Berry.

[Howard]

Thanks Tim,
I was basing my decision to run 12v on several factors:
1) what I read at another thread
2) it gets cold here
3) what a few 'old timers' have told me
4) I intend to use the truck as a fully road registered daily driver
All of the original wiring is stuffed/missing & in the time being I have installed a simple starter circuit & a generator circuit. I have a voltage regulator out of an old Falcon that I will try to get fitted on the weekend.
So before I spend any more time on it, what are your thoughts??

[Tony Smith]

Being well supplied with old Ford bits, Howard, if you can find a 12V Generator from an XK-XL-XM Falcon laying about the shed, the field coils will go into the Blitz genny to give you an original looking 12V genny that will mount up easily. There are also plenty of adaptors on the market to mount an Alternator, or they are simple to fabricate. Most Alts though will only have one narrow belt pulley.

[sapper740]

Originally posted by Howard
Question:
Time permitting this weekend I intend to convert the ignition system over to 12v. I have read up elsewhere on MLU about this but I have one question. I am fitting new spark plugs, should I regap (increase gap) the plugs to handle the extra jolt? And is the condensor OK with the increased load?
Thanks all,
HH

No need to change the gap on your spark plugs as you're going to install a ballast resistor if you use the original coil, right? I'd install a condensor from a 12V to be on the safe side. Good news, 6V points work just fine on 12V systems. Hope this info helps.

[Howard]

Thanks Drerk
I actually have the engine running with a 12v coil fitted. Coil has an internal resistor so I have bypassed the original resistor mounted under dash. So I'll go & grab a 12v condensor.
Thanks for the advice
HH