Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?

[leon bee]

I got nothing against 6 volts, I like it. But I have one little yard truck with a big 12v winch on a boom out back. So I put an alternator on the 8BA. Man, the starter really hits hard. This is a seldom used truck.

I was thinking: We always hear about using big fat wires on 6v, which I do. What if I used a long, skinny lead down to the starter. Shouldn't that weaken the starter? Harm anything? I guess under voltage might not be good for the motor.

 

[Bob C]

I've heard of installing a starter Bendix spring on the starter cable stud and then the cable to the spring.

 

[mcgarrett]

I've heard of installing a starter Bendix spring on the starter cable stud and then the cable to the spring.

I did this to a Model T starter on 12 volt and it seemed to work fine. I think that it did slow it down some and didn't behave like it was attempting to wreck the bendix either.

 

[hueyhoolihan]

my major concern would be the possibility of a very hot battery wire.

 

[oldbugger]

I've had my 35 on 12v for 8 yrs with 6v starter with no problems, knock on wood. Starts then slows down to an idle haha

 

[flathead48]

I always used 12 volt coils with a third shunt coil, starters will work like 12 volt but no slamming when engaged. Saves bendix & ring gear

 

[Tim Ayers]

I always used 12 volt coils with a third shunt coil, starters will work like 12 volt but no slamming when engaged. Saves bendix & ring gear

I believe I bought one of your starters from you on the HAMB. Plan on installing it shortly.

 

[kurt v]

flathead48, are you saying that starter acts like 12 volt but is being turned over by 6 volt battery ?

 

[flathead48]

No sir, it is for 12 volt conversations with basically a 6 volt starter, the 12 volt coils are the easiest fix & work very smooth.

 

[flathead48]

Tim, any problems let know, even I am retired I stand behind my work. Thanks, Rick

 

[petehoovie]

I always used 12 volt coils with a third shunt coil, starters will work like 12 volt but no slamming when engaged. Saves bendix & ring gear

 

[Bored&Stroked]

Listen to Flathead48 and have him convert your starter over (if he has time). He knows his stuff and does great work!

 

[flathead48]

Thanks B&S for the kind words

 

[leon bee]

I had thought of that last year. Just missed a nice converted generator on eBay. And I'd gotten the impression flathead48 was trying to enjoy retirement..........something like that.

 

[Gene1949]

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211141&highlight=convert+starter+12v

Been discussed here many times. I bought a rebuilt Y block starter from NAPA. Used the 8BA armature, end plate and bendix. Used the Y block case w/the 12 volt field coils AND the endplate with the new brushes.
No special tools and took about a 1/2hr

 

[Y-Blockhead]

Maybe I should butt out as I am a Model A guy, for our starters the vendors sell 12 volt field coils. Maybe something similar is available for V-8s.

 

[Hitman]

Maybe I should butt out as I am a Model A guy, for our starters the vendors sell 12 volt field coils. Maybe something similar is available for V-8s.

Get those while you can, they don’t make the new 12v coils used in the A starter conversions.

 

[ssffnomad]

Quite some time back, flathead48, converted our Starter to 12V. Now engages nice and smooth without any slamming. We are close by to each other. Great folks they are.
Stretch

 

[Tim Ayers]

Tim, any problems let know, even I am retired I stand behind my work. Thanks, Rick

Will do, Rick. Thank you! I'll also report back on how it works vs. a straight 12V starter.

 

[Robert/Texas]

About 15 years ago the starter on my '34 roadster went out. I gave the starter to a member of our club who specialized in generator and starter repairs. He said that it needed a part which he didn't have and that it would take a while to get it fixed. After a few weeks I got tired of waiting so I ordered a Stump-Puller starter from one of the vendors. I received this starter on the same day as I received my old starter back but decided to install the Stump-Puller on the car. I’ll never go back. This starter is so quiet that I can hardly hear it and when I touch the starter button that I have on the dash the engine starts silently and immediately. I met 3 Model A guys a few weeks ago and they were amazed how quiet it was.