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| | | | Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 14 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 14 | So yesterday I went to start the truck and the battery popped and blew sparks. I took the battery out and put it on the charger, would not take a charge so I am sure it is toast.
I have been using a 12v battery but running the original 6v starter with no problems.
I have heard different stories with this setup - some good, some bad. Thoughts?
-Eric | | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | The 6 volt starter will work fine on 12 volts. It will acually last longer. Have you checked the cables. Corrosion between the cable & bat post can cause that.
They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 14 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 14 | I have new cables on it. The negative cable has been getting hot when I have a little trouble starting the truck. That was my first sign of trouble.
I am wondering if the starter is putting too much of a load on the battery when I start it. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | that ground cable may have a poor connection or be too light a gauge .... "when I have a little trouble starting the truck" prolly means you've fried your starter, which in turn shorted the battery .... the 6V starter works fine on 12V as long as you don't grind away with a poor starting engine, should start quick and easy
Bill | | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | Also, wouldn't hurt to run a large ground strap to the starter.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,299 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,299 | All starters eventually go bad. When they do, sometimes they short out internally and take the battery with them. I don't believe that it has much to do with your 12 volt battery feeding your 6 volt starter.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
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