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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!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
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| | | | Joined: Dec 2018 Posts: 5 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Dec 2018 Posts: 5 | Great site, need some help. On a 1954 Chevy 235 6 volt starter, can someone tell me what the side terminal on the starter switch is used for. What wire if any is connected to that terminal, and we're does that wire. This truck has been converted to a 12 volt system with an alternator. And thanks for your help. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,440 Moderator - The Electrical Bay | | Moderator - The Electrical Bay Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,440 | Red53. Someone will be along shortly to tell you what the side terminal is used for.
However, I do recall this being discussed in the middle of a long thread.
If you have not stopped in to the Welcome Centre, please go there and introduce yourself.
Another quality post.
Real Trucks Rattle
HELP! The Paranoids are after me!
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,780 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,780 | That terminal is used to provide full battery voltage to the upstream (ignition switch) side of the coil during cranking. If your electrical system has been converted properly, there should be a ceramic resistor inline between the switch and the coil to drop the voltage to about 9 volts or a little more during normal running to protect the points. Because the load of the starter drops the voltage, it's necessary to bypass the resistor so there's a hot enough spark for a good cold start. Just connect a wire from the small terminal to the coil + terminal.
Edit: That switch was original equipment on 12 volt starters from mid-year 1955 and newer engines, but it's a bolt-on swap for the 6 volt starter switch which did not have (or need) the bypass terminal.
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: Dec 2018 Posts: 5 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Dec 2018 Posts: 5 | Jerry great reply thanks. Question I have a pentronix igniter in my distributor with stock 12 volt GM coil used with an external resistor, would this bypass still give me the same increase in voltage.
I'm having a crank no start problem, I do have power every were up to coil, but no spark at plug. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,275 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,275 | Read the instructions which came with your Pertronix.
You need 12 volts to the coil with the Pertronix .
You don't need to use the 3rd terminal on the starter, nor an external resister.
Last edited by 52Carl; 12/17/2018 2:57 AM.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,440 Bolter | | Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,440 | Another Pertronix bites the dust.
Martin
'62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress)
'47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project)
‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily)
‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence)
“I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one!
Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop!
USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,780 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,780 | Let me send you my sincere condolences about having that Pertronix- - - - -Do you also have a good pair of hiking boots?
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!
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