Im looking into converting my 24 volt system over to 12 volt in my 1981 BJ42. Does anyone have any experience with this? Maybe let me in on whats all involved.
24volt to 12volt conversion help
- Thread starter DieselCruiser81
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Okayy I am also going to do it on BJ44 
But i got a reason.. the engine is 12v so either i make it 24v or the rest 12v.. for ease im going for 12v as i live in a warm country and dont want to get into 24-12v convertors.
You will be changing all electrical.. these include engine and body things.. for engine you need
1. 12v starter
2 12v alternator
3. glow plugs
4. EDIC
for body wiring.. some of the things required:
1. 12v Regulator
2. All relays/timers i.e Pre-heater, wiper, starter etc etc
3. all bulbs
4. clock
5. Instrument cluster can be moded.. there is a resistor that you need to bypass/remove.
6. heater blower.. it will work with 12v but half the speed
7. AC blower
But i got a reason.. the engine is 12v so either i make it 24v or the rest 12v.. for ease im going for 12v as i live in a warm country and dont want to get into 24-12v convertors.You will be changing all electrical.. these include engine and body things.. for engine you need
1. 12v starter
2 12v alternator
3. glow plugs
4. EDIC
for body wiring.. some of the things required:
1. 12v Regulator
2. All relays/timers i.e Pre-heater, wiper, starter etc etc
3. all bulbs
4. clock
5. Instrument cluster can be moded.. there is a resistor that you need to bypass/remove.
6. heater blower.. it will work with 12v but half the speed
7. AC blower
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also check this thread.. some very useful info
https://forum.ih8mud.com/diesel-tech-24-volts-systems/467142-another-24v-vs-12v-question.html
https://forum.ih8mud.com/diesel-tech-24-volts-systems/467142-another-24v-vs-12v-question.html
- Thread starter
- #4
Thanks for the help.
Don't do it....stick with the 24V system it is not worth the hassle of swapping out all the electrical components and the cost to find all parts in 12V plus you avoid chasing down electrical gremlins if you don't do it right.
Just my opinion
Just my opinion
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- #6
Dieseler,
You think there will still be problems if I change out the whole wiring harness? I'm having all kinds of trouble with the current 24volt systems. I don't see how it could be any worse.
You think there will still be problems if I change out the whole wiring harness? I'm having all kinds of trouble with the current 24volt systems. I don't see how it could be any worse.
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What troubles? 24v is better than 12v as far as i have read abt it. Post the issues.. im sure forum members will help you out
What troubles are you having?
Its not just a matter of swapping out the harness its all the components that have be swapped out along with it ,these components will have to come from a BJ60 unless you can find a Aussie 4* series.
Have a look at all the electrical switches,relays,horn relay,Edic,voltage regulator,heater motor they all have to be swapped for 12v and you may run into issues with the plugs being different depending what model they come from ie; 60 or 42
Which glow system will you go with manual or superglow
Its not just a matter of swapping out the harness its all the components that have be swapped out along with it ,these components will have to come from a BJ60 unless you can find a Aussie 4* series.
Have a look at all the electrical switches,relays,horn relay,Edic,voltage regulator,heater motor they all have to be swapped for 12v and you may run into issues with the plugs being different depending what model they come from ie; 60 or 42
Which glow system will you go with manual or superglow
- Thread starter
- #9
It's a matter of my batteries always being dead. Cant find accessories in 24volt and nobody being familiar with 24volt when you need work done. Not sure which glow plug system, any recommendations? I currently have a superglow system.
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Battery going dead.. Are you powering any 12v devices by tapping one battery for 12v ??
doing this causes one battery to discharge more than the other and results in failed starting.for any 12v requirement a 24-12v DC convertor must be used.
doing this causes one battery to discharge more than the other and results in failed starting.for any 12v requirement a 24-12v DC convertor must be used.
What harness are you using for the swap out.
If you stay with the super glow you will need the entire glow system from a BJ60 unless you are fortunate to find one from a Aussie 42 or from $OR at a premium price.
As mentioned you have to use a convertor for 12V accesrories when owning a 24v cruiser ( NEVER TAP 12v OFF A BATTERY).
Once again you may run into problems with plug to plug connections if you mix and match 60 and 42 components generally they are generic for the two models but some are specific.
Good luck with the swap you should not have any problem recouping some of the cost when you sell off the 24V stuff there are lots of guys out there ready to snap it up in a blink of an eye.
If you stay with the super glow you will need the entire glow system from a BJ60 unless you are fortunate to find one from a Aussie 42 or from $OR at a premium price.
As mentioned you have to use a convertor for 12V accesrories when owning a 24v cruiser ( NEVER TAP 12v OFF A BATTERY).
Once again you may run into problems with plug to plug connections if you mix and match 60 and 42 components generally they are generic for the two models but some are specific.
Good luck with the swap you should not have any problem recouping some of the cost when you sell off the 24V stuff there are lots of guys out there ready to snap it up in a blink of an eye.
- Thread starter
- #12
Plan on using a painless wiring harness. Actually a local guy said he has done a couple of these jobs and he could do it. My wiring is just a mess and I was thinking if I'm going to redo all the wiring anyways why not switch to 12 volt. Are there any advantages to staying with the 24 volt system?