6 volt starter damage by 12 volt system

[09112]

Some time ago I read several posts about damage to 6v starters when used in a 12v system. The posts discussed damage to the fly wheel end of the starter and methods to avoid the damage. As I remember one of the solutions was to weld something to the end of the starter but I can't remember the actual fix. Can anyone help me on this?

 

[LouNY]

We still have two tractors in use with 6 volt starters getting fed with 12 volt systems, an Farmall H and a 400. We have not made any modifications to the starters. In the same vein I'm putting 24 volts on my dynahoes 12 volt starter with no apparent issues.

 

[plowhog]

Just don't spin them too long and they should be OK. If the motor doesn't fire, let the starter rest a bit then try it again.

 

[cqaigy2]

Not a tractor, but converted my cj1 to 12 volts. The 6 volt starter lasted for years.

 

[George2615]

I have converted a few classic cars and a tractor or two from 6V to 12V and kept the 6V starter. As mentioned as long as you don't crank them for a long time you will be fine. Cranking too long will make them overheat. I found that using the 6V starter on the classic cars makes them start easier.

 

[WranglerX]

Used 6 volt starters on 12 volts on aircooled VW's for years with no ill effects, even if they self destruct there is ton of used 6 volt starters available really cheap....

Dale

 

[Industrial Toys]

Probably they endure twice the rated voltage only because things used to be over built. I dropped in at my mechanic the other day. He was holding a brand new starter, for a 350 engine, and commented how small the new starters are. Just, barely enough, is the way things are now.

 

[09112]

Thanks for the input guys. The problem I was referring to was the reported starter "end" being damaged by the apparent slamming of the drive gear. It was reported several times by people saying the end of the starter was totally destroyed. Following those posts there were solutions put forth by others that had experienced the same problem. However, if most of you are not experiencing this then I will be comfortable with that and assume it is not a common problem. Thanks again.

 

[George2615]

Thanks for the input guys. The problem I was referring to was the reported starter "end" being damaged by the apparent slamming oft the drive gear. It was reported several times by people saying the end of the starter was totally destroyed. Following those posts there were solutions put forth by others that had experienced the same problem. However, if most of you are not experiencing this then I will be comfortable with that and assume it is not a common problem. Thanks again.

All the starters I've seen have a small collar on the shaft that the bendix drive will hit when it flies out so it doesn't contact the cast aluminum bell end of the starter. Never had one destroy the starter end.

 

[KennyG]

There may be specific starter designs this is a problem with, but I know of several tractors that were converted to 12 volt at least 50 years ago and still have the original starter (perhaps with a brush replacement). Never heard of one failing the drive.