Thinking I need a new starter solenoid?

1949mercury

1949mercury

Senior Member
I have a 1949 Mercury converted to 12v with stock 6v starter. I turn the key on hit the button and it cranks for one turn & then it spins. Turn key off and it cranks for as long as I push the button. Do I need a new solenoid ? If so what is a good one to go get at the local napa ?

TIA Jacob
 
You need a new bendix.
while you have it out you might as well go to NAPA and get a late 50's 12 volt starter.
Clean up the commutator on your old 6 volt armature and put it in the 12 volt case. Very easy to do with simple tools AND you will have (essentially) a rebuilt 12 volt starter for a flathead.
 
As long as you don't have to push the car 5 ft in gear and try again. Ring gear should be fine too.


A 6 volt starter will turn twice as fast on 12v. Most likely will never burn out as it is only used momentarily and well built. Will the bendix take a beating? Most likely.
 
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After converting my 52 F-1 truck to 12 volts I ran the 6 vt starter for 14 years. Had to replace the bendix twice and eventually the ring gear went catty-wampus (lost it's hold) on the flywheel so I ended up replacing the ring gear about 10 years into the adventure. Also there was a little bracket from the back of the starter to a pan bolt that snapped and I had to replace. Chap
 
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