[net.auto.tech] starting a 6 volt tractor with a 12 volt system

smh@mhuxl.UUCP (henning) (11/18/85)

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From the keys of Steve Henning, AT&T Bell Labs, Reading, PA mhuxl!smh

> Back when I used to live on a farm, I saw two starters fried by
> jumpering from 12V systems.

I have a circa 1940 Ford 9N tractor which has a 6V positive ground
system.  I frequently jump it with a 12 volt car battery but always
use cheap jumper cables to provide some ballasting of the voltage.
I imagine good jumper cables could fry a 6V starter.