replacing 6v starter with 12v starter

[Kdancy]

I know the starters will fit but does the bendix have to be changed?

[N8N]

Unless you've changed the flywheel, yes. And the motor shafts are different sizes or something. Jim Turner has the details, I don't remember them off the top of my head.

nate

--
55 Commander Starlight
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[fstst56]

A 6 volt starter may last a long time in a 12 volt system.
Then again it may not.
If you don't have to crank it excessively.

[tbredehoft]

I'm running a 6 volt starter in a 12 volt system, only been doing it since June so I don't know long term, but if the car has been started in the previous week, I just hit the gas once, turn the key on and back to run and the engine is running, it fires on the next plug up. If the car has been sitting longer than a week, I turn the electric pump on for maybe 10 seconds, and crank till it starts, probably three cylinders. There is nothing special about the setup, regular gas, points & condenser, regular coil.

The guy in the auto electric shop seemed to think it would last until the bearings or brushes wore out.

[edit] correct typo.

[img=left]http://www.alink.com/personal/tbredehoft/Avatar1.jpg[/img=left]
Tom Bredehoft
'53 Commander Coupe (since 1959)
'55 President (6H Y6) State Sedan
....On the road, again....
'05 Legacy Ltd Wagon
All Indiana built cars

[53starliner]

There's no problem running a 6 volt starter on 12 volts. Mine's been doing for 20 years without a problem.

Fred

[52 Ragtop]

6 Volt starters have a thicker armature shaft than the 12 volt starters. 6 volt also have a different number of teeth.
A 12 volt bendix can be used on a 6 volt armature IF the shaft is turned down to accept the bendix.
I am running a first gear start flight o matic in my 52 ragtop, (289) and still have retained the 6 volt system! NO issues starting it. But, I keep a battery tender on it.

Jim

[52 Ragtop]

6 Volt starters have a thicker armature shaft than the 12 volt starters. 6 volt also have a different number of teeth.
A 12 volt bendix can be used on a 6 volt armature IF the shaft is turned down to accept the bendix.
I am running a first gear start flight o matic in my 52 ragtop, (289) and still have retained the 6 volt system! NO issues starting it. But, I keep a battery tender on it.

Jim

[fstst56]

Kdancy,
I guess what we're trying to say is that if you are
changing over to a 12 volt system from a 6, you may not have
to worry about changing the starter. It could last a long
time.