12 or 24 volts?

[Dave 2000]

Hi all, this question is mainly aimed at diesel owners but others may have input so feel free. I am looking to purchase and prepare an ‘80’ for expedition use. As 80’s tend to be like hens teeth here in Spain and those that can be found are either beaten up or silly money I plan to purchase a VX manual diesel in the UK and this is where I need a little help.

I need an extra battery to run a fridge and other odds and ends and would like to keep it under the bonnet to save space, no problem I hear you say except many markets (including the UK) are 24v starting and 12v running, and this means the space normally used for the aux battery is used up. My plan was to dump the 24v starter and fit a 12v version. Investigations show that some markets got the 24v system and some the 12v set up, it’s also possible the 24v versions were for very cold climates and yet I have seen 24v starters used on a Spanish version and on a variant from Germany, add to this that Australia also got a 12v version and yet they have cold weather as well and you can see the point of my post.

I will use the information to see if I can dump the 24v system, get rid of the relay changeover system and use the space for my fridge battery.

I would like forum members with diesels to take the time and let me know:

1, The country/area you live in:

2, Original or JDM:

3, 12v or 24v system:

4, The coldest weather experienced:

5, Any cold weather starting problems:

6, Any starter contact issues:

Many thanks in advance, please note I have asked this question on one or two other forums and also have it on the diesel forum of MUD to get feedback from as many countries/environments as possible.

Regards

Dave

 

[Sarmajor]

1. New Zealand
2. JDM Which is most original.
3. 12 volt 24 volt start.
4. -15 Celcius.
5. No cold weather starting problems.
6. No Starter contact problems.
I have spent several winters in Antarctica and a properly winterised Toyota 70 series will start first time evry time using the std 12 volt starter system that they have.
Of course you already have a built in dual battery system in a JDM 80 as long as you do not let the load flatten the betteries.

 

[Dave 2000]

Many thanks for the reply, IIRC the 80 has an upgrade of the 70 engine, I wonder if they were 12 or 24 volts, I will post that on the 70 section.

Thanks again for the reply

regards

Dave

 

[lacruiser]

USA
US Petrol truck accurately converted to HDJ80 using JDM 1HD-T engine
12 volt system.
-15° Celcius
Started on first touch of the key without using glow plugs
Engine has >300,000 miles, did the starter contacts 2 years ago.

I don't see that kind of cold very often, but the couple times I did, it fired right up without an issue. I have never used the glow plugs on this vehicle.

Now my BJ42, that's a different story. Gotta glow that unless the temps are in the 30's (C).

I seriously doubt you'll have any issues unless you see some severe cold, and even then with a good glow screen in place, the engine should start right up fine on one healthy battery. Get the biggest battery you can fit in there.

 

[Dave 2000]

This is exactly the kind of response I was hoping for however, I will not let it go to my head just yet. The responses are about 6/2 for a 12v system not being an issue with the newer battery technology we now enjoy.

Thanks again,

regards

Dave