The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 6v starter 12v system

Hello.

Does anyone know the amperage and impedence on a 1941, 216 original 6v starter?

Im putting a 235 in place of the old 216. I have to use orig. bell housing, starter, and flywheel to make it line up. I like the original starter pedal, but this 235 has been converted to a 12v alternator and coil.

Ive read it will work, but just wondered if anyone knew the specs?

Thanks,

Judson

I don't know the specs but you won't have an issue using a 6v starter on 12v. It's done all the time. Just don't crank & crank if it doesn't want to start.

Go with Tiny on this one Jud..

The 6 volt system requires TWICE the current capacity of a 12 volt system. This means the internal wire windings and everything related to that starter is twice as beefy as a 12v system. So don't worry AT ALL about the 6 volt starter. Its a GOOD thing. As Tiny says, don't put 12v on the starter for long periods of time because it creates excessive heat. But you wouldn't do that anyway. No impedance numbers, but just common sense, no worries at all.

Even today, starter motors run at virtual dead short resistance. As current begins to flow and the armature spins up a "counter EMF" builds up in the windings to prevent overcurrent. There is really no practical way to measure impedance since it is constantly changing due to starter speed and load.

The quickest way to burn out a starter is to lug it down so the armature speed drops, and/or hit it with inadequate battery voltage. A slow-turning starter and a low-voltage battery will roast the windings very quickly. 12 volts against a 6V starter spins it up fast, and the starter is actually safer on 12 that it is on 6, particularly if the 6V battery loads down to 4V or less during cranking.
Jerry

Thanks everybody!