Electrical: 6 volt Starter

[davepink53]

A few of the 'Older ' guys here in Aus have told me that back in the day, they could improve the cranking torque of a 6 volt Champion 6 starter, using 6 volt Commander V8 starter parts. But I have not been able to get any specific info on how this was done. Anyone have any idea on this?
Thanks in advance.
Dave Pink...

[nvonada]

People do all sorts of strange things. I have never heard of this one though. Are you having a problem? My Champion has never had cranking issues that were not due to a bad connection somewhere.

Nathan

[warrlaw1]

In 55 (last year of the 6V) I remember hearing that there was a clearance problem when the field coils heated up. Mine will crank slowly when warmed up, but always fires. Big cables, size 00, helped. Good luck, Mate.

[davepink53]

I have large cables and good connections. The motor is just rebuilt so still a bit tight. But it has always been slow cranking and when hot, cross your fingers and hope for the best. I have tried different starters and had them checked by an auto electrician.

[warrlaw1]

I know. I bought a used 53 6V starter from Bob Petersen and I know he bench tested it. Once installed it didn't have enough punch to turn over the 259. It's at a rebuilder, who includes redoing the bushings and a new end-plate. I've had people at gas stations run over to the car to try to help while it slowly grunts and groans, only to fire up with a roar and scare them a step backwards (lol). Embarrasing 'til it fires and then I smile, say thank you and leave a little patch of rubber.

[studegary]

I guess that I am one of those older guys.
I used to install the case with four field coils from a straight eight GM starter on a six volt Studebaker starter. This gives a lot more power with a starter that is otherwise working properly. By this I mean, if you are now dragging on the field coils, you will still have a problem. I wrote this up for Turning Wheels many years ago. I have driven six volt cars with this "fix" for years.
Some people have installed four field coils in their Studebaker starter case.
All of the above has been relative to six volt Commander starters. I have not experienced this with Champions because I have not experienced a problem with Champions that I have worked on and have no intention of purchasing a six volt Champion. I don't see how a stock two field coil Commander starter will help a Champion.

[warrlaw1]

Thank you, Gary. It was your fix I was trying to remember. If it ever REALLY fails me, I'll suggest your fix to my auto electric guy and let him have his way with it. He's old, has a wandering eye and will tackle anything.

[davepink53]

Gary, I believe that the 55 Commander with 259 had 4 field coils. ( in Aus, at least)

[davepink53]

Thanks for the info Gary. Do you know when that article was published. I would like to read it.