Lode51, I have been through the same problem on my 51 Pickup, 235, 12V system, I also still have a 6V starter and it continued turning for years. However, I have taken it completely apart to clean it up, and install a new Bendix and new snap ring. I was having a problem with the Bendix engaging too far and hanging. However, after inspecting the armatur and especially the windings, etc., it will eventually give out. I cud see that it has definately been too hot due continuous starting. I just recently overhauled the carburator and it was a mess after sitting for a while. As, Hot Rod Linconln posted above, fuel, & ignition system is everything on these old machines. I had bad fuel which really messsed up my carb, and even gummed up my valve guides causing my valves to stick and even causing bent push rods. So, bad fuel will really cause a mulitple probs. Because the gasoline smelled so bad, I removed the gas tank and cleaned it out, it was terrible, and so were the gas lines. I removed the main fuel line and cleaned with Chemtool. So in all, the bad fuel really caused a major problem. After getting it all back together, made sure my points were adjusted correctly and definatley the timing. I had to adjust the timing on mine as well because it timing was too slow. Now it starts right up even if it sits for a couple or three days. I dont even have to use the choke. If its tuned up correctly it should start within just a second or two after hitting the foot starter.
