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| | | Forums66 Topics128,076 Posts1,055,924 Members48,430 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Aug 2015 Posts: 23 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2015 Posts: 23 | Just wondering if I can use my 6v starter on 12 volts, a neighbor of mine said it would work just fine, just spin a lil faster and start up quicker!?? It is on a 216 6L, 1940 big bolt. Thanks!
BJ 'Keep on Truckin' 1940 1.5 ton dump
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2012 Posts: 240 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2012 Posts: 240 | Welcome to the 'bolt, 6V starter will work fine in a 12V system, many successful examples including my own truck. A 12V starter will not properly fit a 6V engine (see here and read the 9th post down from tclederman. He explains the tooth count difference between 6V and 12V applications.) It does spin faster, be careful about cranking it too long if you're having trouble getting the truck started. Have fun, Bill
1947 3100 Advanced Design
Never, never, never, never give up. - Churchill | | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,275 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,275 | The faster spinning 6 volt starter is one of the best advantages of the 12 volt conversion. Quick start up! Carl
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 Ex Hall Monitor | | Ex Hall Monitor Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 | Unless you're wanting to run a high power stereo there's no good reason to "upgrade" to 12v. A 6v system with a good battery & starter with clean connections & properly sized cables will start just fine. Having said that back to your original post, if you don't crank for extended periods your starter will be just fine.
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet. The three main causes of blindness: Cataracts, Politics, Religion. Name your dog Naked so you can walk Naked in the park.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2015 Posts: 23 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2015 Posts: 23 | Thanks guys, just reconfirms my thoughts for the conversion!
BJ 'Keep on Truckin' 1940 1.5 ton dump
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2015 Posts: 86 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2015 Posts: 86 | is there a such thing as 12v points, condenser and coil that need to be installed before attempting to use a 12v battery? I have no other wires connected to this engine besides the starter connection to the battery and power to the coil for a test fire. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | points - same 6v and 12v
condenser - same 6v and 12v
coil - different 6v and 12v
information obtained from Rockauto.com on-line catalog
Note: 12v ignition system needs a ballast resistor in-line to the coil, unless the coil has an internal resistor. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2015 Posts: 86 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2015 Posts: 86 | Thanks for the quick reply!
Does the ballast resister element only apply if the generator is hooked up? Also, how much resistance is necessary? 3 Ohms?
Last edited by Markiemark9; 09/09/2015 4:38 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,747 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,747 | Ballast Resistor helps control current at the points. Generator/Alternator, makes no difference. Balance Ohms to the coil. You want to see about, 4 to 6 volts across the Ballast resistor. Just put a meter across the Resistor with the points closed, and the Ignition on. Don't leave the ignition for very long. You will get to recharge the battery, and maybe replace the points.
Steve H
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2015 Posts: 86 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2015 Posts: 86 | | | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,002 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,002 | On topic question....I think. It doesn't matter which way current flows through the resistor, does it? I'm getting 12v in and 12v out, so just wondering??? Thanks
~ Victor 1941 3/4-Ton Pickup (in process). Read about it in the DITY Gallery1955 Grumman Kurbside "Doughboy" 235/3 on tree w/ OD 1957 3100 - moved on 1959 C4500 Short Bus "Magic Bus" - moved on 1959 G3800 1 Ton Dually "Chief" - moved on 1958 C4400 Viking "Thor" ~ moved on to fellow Bolter | | | | | Joined: Mar 2012 Posts: 240 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2012 Posts: 240 | It doesn't matter; [basic/simple] resistors like the ignition resistor work the same in "both directions".
Have fun.
Bill
1947 3100 Advanced Design
Never, never, never, never give up. - Churchill | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,778 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,778 | The only time the resistor will show a voltage drop is with the points closed and the ignition on. If the points are open, you'll see 12V on both ends of the resistor. With the engine running you'll see battery voltage at the upstream end of the ballast resistor and 9-10 volts at the coil + terminal, if everything is wired correctly. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,002 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,002 |
~ Victor 1941 3/4-Ton Pickup (in process). Read about it in the DITY Gallery1955 Grumman Kurbside "Doughboy" 235/3 on tree w/ OD 1957 3100 - moved on 1959 C4500 Short Bus "Magic Bus" - moved on 1959 G3800 1 Ton Dually "Chief" - moved on 1958 C4400 Viking "Thor" ~ moved on to fellow Bolter | | |
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