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6 Volt Battery Question...

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by TonyM, Sep 11, 2020.

  1. Sep 11, 2020
    TonyM

    TonyM Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Middle Tennessee
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    1956 CJ5, F134, 6v system... I believe that I need a new 6 volt battery for my CJ5. The one that's in there isn't holding a charge even when disconnected after charging. My problem is, nowhere on this very generic looking Rebco "heavy duty" battery does it have any info about cranking amps. It has all the usual warnings and a manufacturing date, but nothing else.

    I cannot find any references about the cranking amp requirements for a 6v battery and the F134. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

    A couple of my LAPS have 6v batteries in stock, but even though the physical size of the battery is OK, I'm not sure that they're right for the application...

    If it's important, I have the toe/floor starter and other than installing an electronic ignition, the electrical system is completely redone and functioning with the original style Walks harness, bulbs and so forth.

    Thanks!
     
  2. Sep 11, 2020
    fyrmn

    fyrmn Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    High Desert AZ
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    I have the same set up. Consider this. A3634581-3C63-4839-A72E-6C82CD6CC213.jpeg
     
  3. Sep 11, 2020
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Don't overthink this. There is pretty much only one choice for a six volt battery, without getting exotic. Just the terminal layout may vary.

    Its the same battery that is in nearly every old car and tractor. It worked then, it works now.
     
    dozerjim and Twin2 like this.
  4. Sep 11, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Optima is great, but I kinda think it's a gold-plated solution for a tin-plate problem.

    Suggest just buying whatever battery Pep Boys suggests for your application. Don't worry about the CCA rating, instead focus on the correct shape for the battery box. Buy the biggest conventional battery available for your application.
     
    Arnold Layne likes this.
  5. Sep 11, 2020
    TonyM

    TonyM Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Middle Tennessee
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    Thanks guys - I was thinking that simplicity is genius in this instance.
     
  6. Sep 12, 2020
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
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    Spend the money on an 8 volt battery. I put one in my farm jeep and what a difference that made when cranking it.
     
    Rick Whitson likes this.
  7. Sep 12, 2020
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Pricey. And would you need to change the voltage regulator?

    I've never found it to be necessary, if the starting and ignition systems are kept in tune.

    8 volt conversion
     
    Last edited: Sep 12, 2020
    Arnold Layne likes this.
  8. Sep 12, 2020
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    Most of the old type voltage regulators have an adjustment screw to vary the voltage cut-in/cut-out. A 6 volt generator can produce higher than rated voltage. I remember adjusting mine years ago to "get a bit more" out of the charging system. It was great for nearly two years of local driving, but on a longer trip (2 hours up into Virginia) I ended boiling my 6v battery nearly dry.
    -Donny
     
  9. Sep 12, 2020
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Yes they do. But proper adjustment, and matching to the specific generator, is a lot more complex than fiddling with a single screw.

    OTH, the older "third brush" generator on my '34 Ford, I just slide the brush back and forth to get the amperage I want. More at night, less on a long daytime drive. :)
     
  10. Sep 12, 2020
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    I'd agree that 6v is fine, going to 8 is just patching over a cable or corroded connection issue.

     
  11. Sep 12, 2020
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
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    I never touched my voltage regulator. All the battery cables are new and the starter was rebuilt. But the brighter lights and faster crank are worth it.
     
  12. Dec 30, 2020
    TonyM

    TonyM Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Middle Tennessee
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    Finally got to a point where I could no longer charge my 6v battery and start the jeep - heck, this AM I could barely turn on the lights after 18 hours on the charger.

    So...went to Autozone and picked up a new 6v battery. Installed it and she started right up. The new battery has 575 cold cranking amps, fits in the tray and the price was ok ($110 all in) so I guess this chapter is closed.

    Happy New Year everyone!
     
    dozerjim, 47v6, colojeepguy and 2 others like this.
  13. Dec 31, 2020
    Steve's 70-5

    Steve's 70-5 Active Member

    Louisville, Ky
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    I knew this guy that had a 12volt battery in his 6 volt jeep. You talk about a starter spinning fast. He used it that way for years. Could just crank the starter for a few seconds or it would over heat.
     
  14. Dec 31, 2020
    SFaulken

    SFaulken Active Member

    Bellevue, WA
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    This isn't all that uncommon, I've seen a bunch of hotrod guys that will run 2 batteries, when they build high compression flatheads, the six volt runs everything *but* the starter.
     
  15. Dec 31, 2020
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Starter can handle it. Gauges and lights and regulator won't.
     
  16. Dec 31, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
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    Yep, my dad has ran 12v through the 6v starter on his 1950 Ford for at least 50 years now. Everything else (gauges, tube radio power supply section, lights, overdrive solenoid) was changed or ran through a voltage reducer, but the starter is untouched.
     
  17. Dec 31, 2020
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    On the other hand, a system in good tune would work fine, as designed.

    On my 6 volt flathead V8, gettin the starter reconditioned and the distributor timed was an epiphany.

    Now it fires up instantly at the very first touch of the key - every time - on six volts.
     
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