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-   -   Calming Down a 6v Starter on 12v? (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=356719)

leon bee 04-02-2026 01:01 PM

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.

Bob C 04-02-2026 02:15 PM

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.

mcgarrett 04-02-2026 05:43 PM

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob C (Post 2445444)
I've heard of installing a starter Bendix spring on the starter cable stud and then the cable to the spring.

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.

hueyhoolihan 04-02-2026 08:27 PM

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

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

oldbugger 04-02-2026 09:07 PM

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

flathead48 04-03-2026 05:33 AM

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

1 Attachment(s)
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

Tim Ayers 04-03-2026 06:51 AM

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by flathead48 (Post 2445522)
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

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

kurt v 04-03-2026 07:40 AM

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 ?

flathead48 04-03-2026 10:48 AM

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.

flathead48 04-03-2026 10:50 AM

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

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

petehoovie 04-03-2026 11:05 AM

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by flathead48 (Post 2445522)
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

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...4&d=1775212380

Bored&Stroked 04-03-2026 11:37 AM

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!

flathead48 04-03-2026 04:01 PM

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

Thanks B&S for the kind words

leon bee 04-04-2026 11:12 AM

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.

Gene1949 04-04-2026 09:06 PM

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

Y-Blockhead 04-05-2026 07:29 AM

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.

Hitman 04-05-2026 06:39 PM

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead (Post 2445757)
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.

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

ssffnomad 04-06-2026 06:52 AM

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

Tim Ayers 04-06-2026 07:58 AM

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by flathead48 (Post 2445550)
Tim, any problems let know, even I am retired I stand behind my work. Thanks, Rick

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

Robert/Texas 04-06-2026 09:27 AM

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.


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