• From: Bethel Park PA
  • Registered: 2004-06-27
  • Posts: 686

Topic: 8 volt battery

I've heard in the past that some VW owners have put 8 volt batteries in their VWs to replace the 6 volt units to get brighter lights and better starting.

Is anyone doing this?

I'd like a bit of information on the details on how it's done.  The 6 volt generators actually put out 7 volts.  This goes into the regulator and comes out 6 volts or a few tenths of a volt more.

If this 6+ volts is fed into the 8 volt battery it seems to me that it will only charge the battery up to the voltage going in - 6+ volts.

I'm sure that someone with the expertise could take the regulator apart and bump the output up, but still, the voltage coming out can not exceed the amount the genertor supplies.

bottom line - if you're using an 8 volt battery, what generator / regulator are you using?

David H
'66 VW Beetle w/sunroof
http://tinyurl.com/qhw59
"Where am I going ... and why am I in this handbasket?"
  • From: King of Prussia, PA
  • Registered: 2005-08-03
  • Posts: 420

Re: 8 volt battery

A 6V generator actually puts out about 9.6V at maximum.  To rum an 8V battery, you must modify the voltage regulator.  The regulators are basically voltage switches.  Here is a link.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewto … light=volt

Ted Wojton
70 VW Bus Westfalia,  2003 GMC Sierra

3 Reply by Sean,s

  • Sean,s
  • Guest

Re: 8 volt battery

Ahh Sounds interesting . But like too remind you that 6 volt windsheild wiper motors assembly,s burn out at fairly fast rate with 12 volts hooked too them . << Might be a consideration ? But Can tell you that chargeing Batterys at a Higher voltage than the batteries voltage will De Calcify the battery . Least this is my understanding on how the New Battery chargers with, battery Reconditioning option,s work . Higher Voltage On Low amp setting . Clean,s Plates Off Inside the battery . As Too Voltage Reg im thinkin it would be as easy as resetting the point contacts in the Reg. Too Accept Higher Voltage of 8 volts . Im Sure Take one apart Could figure it out fairly easy . Sean

  • hank
  • Member
  • Offline
  • From: British Columbia Canada
  • Registered: 2004-03-30
  • Posts: 430

Re: 8 volt battery

I haven't tried it but what if you discharge a 12 volt battery and charge it with a 6 volt gen. Having more cells would give more amps.
just a thought
Way back in the '60 we used a 8v tractor battery and had the regulator tweeked for our rally bug. Never had any problem with the wiper motor.
The 8volt battery sure made the 5 Lucas Flamethrowers light up the road.
hank

'57 bug "BlackBerry"
'58 type261 single cab "Ruf"
'86 vanagon syncro "Syncro da Dr.Mayo"
and way too many project waiting
  • From: King of Prussia, PA
  • Registered: 2005-08-03
  • Posts: 420

Re: 8 volt battery

You would have to get an 8V tractor battery.

Ted Wojton
70 VW Bus Westfalia,  2003 GMC Sierra
  • From: CT
  • Registered: 2004-03-29
  • Posts: 53

Re: 8 volt battery

Just did this.  I had a company in Milford CT fiddle with my 2 6 volt generators at a cost of $114, they also replaced the brushes and on one the bearings.  I then installed a 6 volt Pertronix into my 009 distributor.  I was quite skeptical but it worked... I picked up the 8 volt Battery at MidState Battery in Bloomfield CT.  But Ive heard that other companies have them.

When running at fast Idle or accelerating the generator puts out 9.5+ volts. 

The one problem I have now is the fan rubs slightly on the housing?? Creating a sqeeking noise!!

http://www.midstatebattery.com/

Last edited by 65ghia (2006-02-26 17:09:29)

1965 Ghia with 1641cc SP engine 6 volt mostly stock.
2003 TDI Golf  (Love the fuel economy)

65ghia's Website

  • From: Bethel Park PA
  • Registered: 2004-06-27
  • Posts: 686

Re: 8 volt battery

65ghia

I have no problem finding 8 volt batteries but what you posted begs a few questions.

When you say your generators were "...fiddled with...", exactly what did you mean?  What was done?  Were they simply refurbished or were they rewound to produce higher voltage?  It doesn't seem that replacing brushes and bearings would cost anything near $114.

Did you have your regulator reworked?  If so, what was done?

Where did you find a 6 volt Pertronix?  I tried to find one a few years ago but was told only 12 volt units were available.

David

David H
'66 VW Beetle w/sunroof
http://tinyurl.com/qhw59
"Where am I going ... and why am I in this handbasket?"
  • From: CT
  • Registered: 2004-03-29
  • Posts: 53

Re: 8 volt battery

I will answer the last question first.  Cal. Import Parts
https://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.as … R-1847-AN6

the AN6 at the end corresponds to the 6v model.  I have yet to put a timing light on the car but what I did notice was the distributer had to be turned more clockwise than it was with the points installed to get the car to start.  But it has been to freekin cold here in CT to really warm it up.  I also bought "FlameThrower" ingnition wires ( I know probably not worth the extra $20 dollars vs. a standard brand but???).

I wish I could help you more with what the company did to my 2 generators and regulators.  I know that the key is adjusting the Regulator.  Im looking at the receipt now and they replaced the bearings on both generators the brushes on one and adjusted the regulators for both. $23 in parts and $85 in labor.

Now I did try an 8 volt battery with my 6 volt charging system and it lasted 1 week.  The 6 volt gen./regulator only puts out at most 8 volts(I checked it with a multi-tester).  The 8 volt battery needs to be charged with 9 volts to retain its cranking power.... So said the guy at Mid-State Battery.

I did test the set up yesterday and it was, as I noted, putting out 9.5 volts.

For the regulator adjustment feel free to call Barbin Auto Electric  Milford CT  203-878-4629  I dont have a contact there because my friend with a 6v 356 took my generators to them.  My friends name is Paul.  So I  would guess if you mentioned Paul and old 6 v  Porche generators that would get the ball rolling.

I hope this was of help.

fred

1965 Ghia with 1641cc SP engine 6 volt mostly stock.
2003 TDI Golf  (Love the fuel economy)

65ghia's Website

  • From: Northern Illinois
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 1,105

Re: 8 volt battery

For your rubbing noise, you may need to dis-assemble and add a shim behind the fan flange to move the fan forward slightly but 1st loosen the genreator strap and rock the fan housing fore and aft a little then snug down the strap. See if that does the trick.

-Darby
  • From: CT
  • Registered: 2004-03-29
  • Posts: 53

Re: 8 volt battery

Thanks,
I would hate to rip apart the thing again.

fred

1965 Ghia with 1641cc SP engine 6 volt mostly stock.
2003 TDI Golf  (Love the fuel economy)

65ghia's Website