High Torque Starter 12v to Ford Model A

I have been using the original 6 volt starter, with no modifications, on a 12 volt system for 20 years with out a problem.
 
Save your money! Ive been using 6 V on 6 V starters on 16 A,s for the last 60 years with no problems.Unless you have AC or high powered lights there is no need for 12.v JMO
 
I have now started my ford pickup engine many times this month. so I've really tested the starter. the 12v starter works amazingly well.
the old 6v starter was very tired, i will overhaul it later.
here is one Picture of my old ford 1929 pickup.
 
one question, why do you need a high torque starter on a model a? the engine is only 4 1/2 to one stock and around 5 1/2 one with a high compression head thats like giving steriods to super man, not needed, lol
 
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This is mechanical engineering 201. Successful test and service experience trumps paralysis by analysis.

The Model A starter is much more rugged a design than it need be, so it will successfully tolerate 12 volts for more use than most of us will ever put it to. The same goes for the Ford starter drive and ring gear.

How do I know this? I have been driving with a 12-volt system for over 20 years and about 30,000 miles. The stock starter works beautifully. The 1932 and later starter drive having 3/8" diameter bolts is a must for 12-volt operation, and it should also be run in a 6-volt Model A. I have not seen any adverse ring gear wear.
 
Bob Bidonde said:
This is mechanical engineering 201. Successful test and service experience trumps paralysis by analysis . . . How do I know this? I have been driving with a 12-volt system for over 20 years and about 30,000 miles. The stock starter works beautifully. . .
Click to expand...

Not exactly ME201. "Test and service experience" with a sample size of one (n=1) has no more credibility that the single-experience testimonial you use to support your conclusion.

Increasing the "test and service experience" sampling pool to a larger random number of Model A's may project a different picture.

I could say both good and bad things about both (or any) starter system, including the hand crank, but that's not my point. I just want to say that credible ME testing of a part or design cannot be based on a sampling of n=1.
 
i know this is not model a but my 1923 model t was converted to 12 volt before i recived it and for around 12 years now the 6 volt starter has worked fine with no problems my model a will stay 6 volt
kevin
1930 model a tudor
1923 model t roadster p/u
 
I've run many different six volt starters on twelve volt and never had a problem with any. I'm sure some smart guy with less real world experience will disagree. Because of less amperage, any six volt starter will have an easier life on twelve volts.
 
I see that installing a resistor is mentioned. I use 12V coils with an internal resistor on both my 12V A's. That way I don't have to deal with another external component to attach somewhere.

I also have a "modern starter drive" on one of my A's. It seems to work well and cheaper than some other options short of just using the original one with no mods.

A-11350-M 1928-34 $38.95 / ea
A11350M-7261.jpg


Barb
 
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I agree completely!!! I also use the modern starter drive on my roadster on 12 volt with good results. I also use 12 volt ( 3.0 OHM ) coils on my 12 volt applications because it is a cleaner setup without the clutter of a resister. Some will want to use an original coil and hide the resister and this is possible. I prefer using the Pertronix Flamethrower coil. I get instant starts and clean running spark plugs with an improvement that is noticeable in performance
 
With regard to previous post, the current drawn by the starter on a 12 volt system will be twice the current draw from a 6 volt system, not less.

Marc
 
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foxfire42 said:
I see that installing a resistor is mentioned. I use 12V coils with an internal resistor on both my 12V A's. That way I don't have to deal with another external component to attach somewhere.

I also have a "modern starter drive" on one of my A's. It seems to work well and cheaper than some other options short of just using the original one with no mods. ....................Same same on both accounts !

A-11350-M 1928-34 $38.95 / ea
A11350M-7261.jpg


Times 2 with this stated method...on both statements.

Norway,
I like your truck and what a beautiful 'post card' picture, thanks for sharing both you starter info/experience and picture ! Hm, better to be 'stuck' in Norway or Lodi :D !
Click to expand...
 
@Norway...

I am installing the same starter as we speak, i also got a new igintion switch. Did you use the original one in the dash? any examples / tips about the wiring?
Did you use an external starter selenoid also or just direct from battery / switch to starter?

Cheers Skip'

The Netherlands
 
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BTW, the stock starter on 12v. draws less amps, not twice as many, and not half as many. I was in a discussion years ago in a magazine about this. My thinking at the time was half the amps, I was wrong. I did an actual amp draw test to prove it and sure enough, I was wrong. It would likely been half the draw if the torque/hp remained the same, but it does not. May have been the only time I was wrong ... or not!
 
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