Using 12volts on 6 volt starter

Donpet

Donpet

Junior Member
Trying to start a rebuilt tight motor. Can I use a 12 volt battery on the starter only to get better turn without hurting the starter? Will a 12 volt turn the engine faster?
thanks
 
I have done it in a pinch and never had an issue. But I really do not know if it will hurt something in the long run
 
Is there any chance there is a problem with the rebuilt motor? Can you turn it by hand? I think a good 6 volt starter with good grounds and proper 6 volt cables cables should be able to turn the motor without a problem.

Charlie Stephens
 
The 12 volts works great on a 6 volt starter but do not crank very long without cooling time. My guess is no longer than 5 seconds. The tighter the engine the more current the starter will draw and the more likely something will burn in the starter.
 
I found a ground strap from the engine to the frame improved the cranking considerably. So I probably won't need the 12 volts. Thanks for the help.
 
I've used 12 volts on six volt starters many times over the years. Never broke anything yet and the 52 Mercury definitely turned over twice as fast on 12 volts. I've got it to the point it will start on six volts now.
 
12 volt system on my 40, 6 volt starter, been on there 40 years, I use a 12 selornid, the 6 volt sel will stick once in awhile. Walt
 
You can use a 12 volt battery with a 6 volt starter. Just don't crank a long time.
If your starter is in good shape and everything else is ready to go
The engine will start quickly.
Also the ground wire inside the solenoid for the single small pin can burn out disabling the push button on the dash.
Stop if anything gets hot.
 
Donpet said:
I found a ground strap from the engine to the frame improved the cranking considerably. So I probably won't need the 12 volts. Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...

I would check that the battery cables and ground strap are the correct size for a 6v system and are in good condition. I would also clean and grease all the battery connects (battery to frame, frame and/or battery to engine and battery to starter solenoid).
 
I used a 6v starter in my 12v converted 38 Tudor till it burned up. Took it to my local starter, gen. Alt. Repair shop. They put 12v guts in the same case, cost about $80.00 and has been working great ever since.
 
I may have been lucky on my 40, I used the 6V starter on my 12V system, I even used the 6V solenoid, never had a problem for all the years I ran the car.
 
12V on my 6V starter in my roadster (rebuilt 8ba). Almost 3K miles now and no problems.
That will probably be the kiss of death.....I'm going to try starting it today after it's winters sleep.....the starter will most likely shoot out across the garage !!!
BUT up till right now no problem with using 12Volts...
 
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