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Old 09-27-2021, 02:52 PM   #1
fordblue
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Default 6 volt Spartan horn on 12 volt system

I'm sure that you've been through this before but I'm new. My 6 volt horn had a small resistor of unknown size. It got toasted so my ohm meter just shows that it is open. I bought a resistor with heat sink from Snyder's for $27. It goes in the ground side of the horn. The horn motor barely turns with this installed. It sounds like a cow that's near death. W
ithout a resistor, the horn spins fast and is loud and almost sounds like it should. It leaves the "GA" out of ah ou ga. Do I leave it on 12 volts and hope the motor doesn't fry or is there a better fix?
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Old 09-27-2021, 03:21 PM   #2
nkaminar
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Default Re: 6 volt Spartan horn on 12 volt system

Try adjusting your horn. There is a little screw in the back that makes a click when turned slightly in or out. Turn it one click and try the horn again. If not right try a click in the other direction. If that is not right try two clicks. Repeat until it sounds the way you like it. Then try adjusting it again with the engine running and the battery being charged.

Make sure the horn armature is bright copper and that the bearings are oiled.

You can rewire the horn for 12 volts but the resistor is a lot simpler.
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Old 09-27-2021, 03:52 PM   #3
Ivan in southeast va.
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Default Re: 6 volt Spartan horn on 12 volt system

As said, adjust in small increments and make sure the armature is clean. I use a small scotch brite pad with a little wd40. Be sure to oil the felt pads in the front and rear. I bought a 12 volt horn from A and L. The major suppliers carry A and L horns now.
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Old 09-27-2021, 07:17 PM   #4
Tom Endy
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Default Re: 6 volt Spartan horn on 12 volt system

http://www.santaanitaas.org/wp-conte...orn-to-12v.pdf
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Old 09-27-2021, 07:24 PM   #5
Herb Concord Ca
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Default Re: 6 volt Spartan horn on 12 volt system

Agree with Tom, rewind the field coils for 12V.
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Old 09-28-2021, 08:50 AM   #6
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Default Re: 6 volt Spartan horn on 12 volt system

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dont remember size maybe 100 watt has adjust ring to adjust volts i installed n
maybe 10 years ago adjusted it for sound i wanted its mounted inside frame havent touched since installed
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Old 09-28-2021, 09:11 AM   #7
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Default Re: 6 volt Spartan horn on 12 volt system

Call Snyder's and tell them the problem. They're very good to work with. There is too much resistance in the circuit - could be bad connection. Be sure the bullets are pushed all the way into the sockets; new ones tend to be very tight. Don't run the horn on 12V, it will never sound right.
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Old 09-28-2021, 10:18 AM   #8
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Default Re: 6 volt Spartan horn on 12 volt system

When I converted to12v I rewound the horn field coils as per Tom Endys instructions. Horn never sounded better.
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Old 09-29-2021, 09:12 AM   #9
Bob Bidonde
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Default Re: 6 volt Spartan horn on 12 volt system

I have been running a 6V A&L Sparton Horn on 12V since 2016 and the horn's motor is fine. Adding a resistor is not the way to tune the horn's sound. Rewind the field coils is the right way.
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Old 09-29-2021, 12:41 PM   #10
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Default Re: 6 volt Spartan horn on 12 volt system

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Endy View Post
Thanks Tom. I'm going to give that a go. gary
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Old 09-30-2021, 01:54 PM   #11
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Default Re: 6 volt Spartan horn on 12 volt system

Just add a 12 volt horn..........

swap you my 12 volt for your 6 volt. lol
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Old 09-30-2021, 07:42 PM   #12
Ivan in southeast va.
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Default Re: 6 volt Spartan horn on 12 volt system

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just add a 12 volt horn..........

Swap you my 12 volt for your 6 volt. Lol
Easy peasy!
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Old 10-10-2021, 02:43 PM   #13
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Default Re: 6 volt Spartan horn on 12 volt system

I just rewound the horn field coils as per Tom Endys instructions. Horn works great. I somehow got the magnetic polarity wrong on one side but I just had to switch the wires around from the brush to the connector on one side. I greased the cam and cam follower which were dry. The lack of grease caused some wear. I had to dress the follower with my Dremel grinder.
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Forget the brakes, they really don't work.
The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk.
My car grows red hair, and flies through the air.
Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.
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Old 10-15-2021, 10:42 AM   #14
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Default Re: 6 volt Spartan horn on 12 volt system

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Originally Posted by nkaminar View Post
I just rewound the horn field coils as per Tom Endys instructions. Horn works great. I somehow got the magnetic polarity wrong on one side but I just had to switch the wires around from the brush to the connector on one side. I greased the cam and cam follower which were dry. The lack of grease caused some wear. I had to dress the follower with my Dremel grinder.
Now MARK IT. When something is modified from original, unless its obvious, it should always be marked as such.
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Old 10-15-2021, 11:58 AM   #15
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Default Re: 6 volt Spartan horn on 12 volt system

Good idea to mark the horn. It is obvious to any electrical engineer but maybe not so to Joe Mechanic.
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A is for apple, green as the sky.
Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die.
Forget the brakes, they really don't work.
The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk.
My car grows red hair, and flies through the air.
Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.
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Old 10-15-2021, 12:51 PM   #16
grj
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Default Re: 6 volt Spartan horn on 12 volt system

Saw some on a club members table in Hershey years ago. Model A's, but labeled 12v. So I asked the question. Why 12V? Said they did not sound good on 6V.
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