The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Starter question

I have an old 6 volt stomp starter on my 50 chevy 3100 235. It has been used with 12 volts for a long time and it seems very sluggish on the engine I just installed. I can't get it started and it seems to be turning over very slow. The battery is new along with all cables and wiring. I removed all spark plugs and it still turns slow like it is trying to run on 6 volts. I'm going to take it to a local shop tomorrow for rebuilding. My question is .... Were the same stomp starters built in 12 volt versions? Would I be better off to get a 12 v stomp starter and get that one reconditioned instead of using this 6 volt version with 12 volts?

it's possible the starter is wearing out, but make sure all your connections are 100% with heavy enough cables before anything, especially as you've just changed engines - and consider if this 'never started' engine may have other problems ... yes, the stomp starter '55-'60 was 12V, but if you switch to a 12V starter, you'll need to change the flywheel/ring gear, as the later 12V starters had a different tooth count, although the shop may be able to change yours to 12V with a rebuild - if it needs a rebuild

Bill

I personally wouldn't have my 6 volt starter converted to 12 volt. The beauty of the 6 volt starter hooked up to 12 volts, in my opinion, is the faster engine speed during start up. Sure, you can't get away with extremely long cranking periods with it, but it turns so fast, you don't ever need to. I'd say that if all of your wires are in the correct places and clean, your starter has internal issues and needs to be rebuilt.
Carl

If the starter worked ok before the fresh engine, I would think the problem is in the fresh engine.

I had the Suburban starter converted by a local one man shop at a very reasonable price. I have had no problems with it.

It needed rebuilt anyway and I asked and he said he could do it so he did.

If the connections are clean and tight then I'd also suspect something with the new engine. Maybe the timing or plugs are not in the correct order.

Dennis

I had a starter problem with a stomp starter, bought a new one, cables, battery...all good. I was one cylinder off on timing. Took starter back, old one works fine now. Be careful as others have said. If there is any place to check a starter left in the USA, do it....and triple check timing. Mine gave no signs, like popping thru carb, it always sounded like it was trying to start but starter was too weak...fooled me good. My excuse: no ball on flywheel

Ole hardshell seems to have left us flopping in the breeze. Can't really help without feedback. At least the rest of us aren't fighting with each other.
Carl

Yet

bartamos-You said" If there is any place to check a starter left in the USA, do it"
Years ago I worked at an excellent automotive electrical shop in Massachusetts. They were the best anywhere.Complete rebuild shop and testing service.As far as I know they are still in business. They are worth checking out.--Fleet Electric inc.--Worcester Mass.---Jack

Stan's Starter and Alternator Service, Pulaski, Tennessee. He can build one from scratch and do all the testing necessary to make sure it functions properly. I've been doing business with him for 30-something years.
Jerry

Good to know there are still some places. Hope there is one near him.

On mine, I had to push what I think was too far. There was a lot of slop. I just bent up a new rod connection the stomp linkage with the starter. 5/16ths rod, vice, BFH. Made it longer to take up the slack. Looks like it will be much better now. Don't have the wiring harness in yet so can do an actual test.

Dennis