Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

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.

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

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

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

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.

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

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

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

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

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

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

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

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

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

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

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

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.

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

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

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

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

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

Thanks B&S for the kind words

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

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.

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...rt+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

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

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.

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

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

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

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

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

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

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

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.

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

On my Avatar 2N tractor with 8BA I started with a factory 6V starter used at 12V. It did seem to hit a little hard so I bought a '63 390 Thunderbird starter that was 12V to begin with and used the flathead armature and drive in the Thunderbird case. It worked like a charm.

Then I put the engine in another tractor (8N) and bought a Powermaster mini-starter so I did not have to cut the transmission case/bellhousing on the tractor. They are kind of nice but definitely not period correct looking.

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

Didn't want to hijack the thread but here is a picture of the other side.

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

We're going thru an 8N right now. Hmm, I do have a spare 8BA.......

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

I will post separately on what it entails. Sorry OP.

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

That's a nice write-up on that V8 conversion. One of those potential projects which I try to suppress the urge for. Yours really looks great.

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

I hope those cradles under the 8BA are pretty stout. The N, NAA, and 600/800 series use the engine block with a heavy pressed steel front mount for the front axle attachment. I've had to weld those front mounts up due to cracks before. That cradle that ties the trans to the front end will have to be pretty heavy duty to take the bump and grind of field operations. If a person just plows a nice flat field or drives it for show then it may be OK.

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

I can't speak for the Redrock version because I have not seen one in person, but the Awesome Henry one is very stout-and heavy. I have never heard of any complaints with breaking on either one. I really like the design of the RR version because it would allow a wider radiator and mechanical fan. I would like to see one up close so I could study it.

Re: Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v?
 

I'll go search it, but are those things that one can find currently? ^^^