Starter 6v vs 12v? need one at Hershey

Jack 34pu

Jack 34pu

Senior Member
I'm heading to Hershey and need to know which starter for a 1949/50 Merc flathead which will be running 12v. On another vehicle, I have been running a 6v starter on a 12v system for years with no ill effects. I know the windings are heaver on 6v system. What say you?

Give me a vender site number and I'll stop by to possible purchase.
 
Wow,

Everyone must be at Hershey without their computers. I thought surely I would get all kinds of advice on whether to use a 6v or 12v starter on a 12v system.
 
Should be fine to run the 6v on 12v as long as you don't lay on the starter button for a long time. Ive got one on my 8ba and it seems perfectly happy.
 
>>>less amp load on higher voltage >>>

Nope. More amps cuz the starter resistance doesn't materially change whether at 6 or 12volts. Otherwise, you are correct, the 6v starter will indeed take 12v easily.

Jack E/NJ
 
Until you crank them too long and melt the solder in the windings. It is also likely that the starter drive (Bendix) and the ring gear will take a beating as the drive is slammed into the flywheel. If the six volt starters ran as well on 12 volts, you can bet Ford wouldn't have changed them.
 
supereal said:
Until you crank them too long and melt the solder in the windings. It is also likely that the starter drive (Bendix) and the ring gear will take a beating as the drive is slammed into the flywheel. If the six volt starters ran as well on 12 volts, you can bet Ford wouldn't have changed them.
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The Ford six volt starter works perfectly on 12 volts there's no damage to the bendix or ring gear! There's also no melting of the solder if you crank it for a long time. Been doing it for 42 years now in my roadster. Only damage caused to the starter and bendix was when the pressure plate blew up racing the car long time ago. Don't waste your money on a 12 volt starter for a flathead unless you need one for a clearance issue.
 
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