12 volt or 6 volt
 

On my 1926 ford the previous owner put in a Datsun l16 motor and transmission. I tried to ask his family if he switched over to a 12 volt system. The wiring seems newish and he has a Datsun starter alternator on it. But how can I tell if its a 6 volt or 12 volt? There was no battery in the 1926. Any ideas?
Thanks
Jerry

Re: 12 volt or 6 volt
 

We mostly do not testify about Datsun equipment.

Myself I would gamble on 12 volt. Datsun hadn't run 6 volt for decades. If it smokes, how difficult would it be to replace the parts with 12 volts.

Perhaps, if you want to be cautious, locate an auto recycler or an electric motor rebuilder. Pictures probably would work, if not bring them the equipment to be certain. Best of luck

Re: 12 volt or 6 volt
 

If it has an L16 four banger then it was manufactured after 1966 at the earliest. The Japanese cars were using 12-volt and since it has an alternator then it is likely 12-volt. The L16 engine was primarily used in the Datsun 510 cars but they were also used in other sedans and pickups till around 1978.

Check the bulbs in headlamps or tail lamps for voltage or part numbers that can be traced to voltage. This will tell if it was completely set up for 12-volts.

Many of the model T cars had batteries in them to aid in cold starting and some used or were replace by 12-volt batteries. The T was an adaptable car. The cars with electric start all had batteries of one voltage or another. Electric starting was added as an option in 1919 or so if I remember correctly. By 1926, it was likely standard equipment.

Re: 12 volt or 6 volt
 

Just look at the starter, alt or coil. That will tell you, they should say what voltage some were on them.

Re: 12 volt or 6 volt
 

jerry....my "idea" would be find a 26 model T power plant and get it back to the way it was son:D

Other than a Flathead V8 there is no other exhaust note I like more than the Model T & A.

Re: 12 volt or 6 volt
 

So everyone can be on the same page, go down to post 11 and 12. It looks to be 1926/27 with 32 grill installed.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=301728

Re: 12 volt or 6 volt
 

Thank you for all for the responses. I agree with all of you that Datsun L16 was a 12 volt system. I will check all the bulbs and alternator. But I think it was set up for 12 volt. And the Ford from what I can gather is a 1926 Ford with a 1932 grill and it has 1929 fenders and running boards.
Thanks
Jerry