Expert: jack bahm - 4/13/2010

Question
QUESTION: The Battery that i took out was a 6 volt with the positive side run to the rail, neg running to the starter. The one im trying to put back in is a 8 volt car battery. could this be where my problem lies??

ANSWER: I don't think 8 volts can hurt.  Maybe you just have a short in your system.  Pull the fuse, if you have one, and unhook everything you can that might draw current.  Then touch the batt cable to the starter term and see if you get a spark.  There must be none.  8 volts is not your prob.
Try to reverse the polarity and see if you get a spark.
jack

Another thing you might do is to disconnect the alt. from the system and try it.  The alt. has diodes that let the current flow in only one direction.  Take that wire off of it and try the batt.  If no spark, it might be the alt., or again the polarity.  On that batt. you took out, make sure it was pos. ground.  Don't go by the fit of the terminals on the batt cable.  Make sure.  There is also the chance, that it was in there wrong.
Stick with it and good luck.
jack

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: ok, I finally talked my grandfather into letting me convert this A-model over to 12 volts, I hate to be a bother but do you mind to help me walk thru this process, and is it very exspensive. Even though it doesnt appear so, i am very knowledgeable about cars, just not this old of a car. I sincerly appreciate all of you help up to this point.  Tks Ronnie

Answer
I don't know how to convert it to 12v and I don't think it is ever necessary to go to 12v.  You are making a big mistake.  The only thing you will gain is being able to plug 12v things into your car.  It will spin the starter faster, but that is not needed.  If you are doing this to make it start easier, then you don't have it running good enough.  If you get the engine running the way it should, all you have to do is look hard at the starter button and it will start.  Putting 12v on it is just a band aid.  You can get a good 6v battery at low cost from tractor supply or sears.  Hope you don't do it.  If you need help with the engine, I would be happy to help.
jack