The Stovebolt Forums Forums The Shop Area The Engine Shop 1954 235 Starter Questions

I see where it is said the difference between the 12 and 6 volt starters coincides with the flywheel tooth count. Why would I have 2 1954 trucks (apparently original with 6V everything) with the higher tooth count flywheels and smaller diameter gears on the starters that match with black tags not red?

Can I get the “12 volt” starter rebuilt to 6 v specifications so I don’t have to swap my clutch and flywheel? I know I can swap the truck to 12v. I just don’t feel like it!

Thanks.

Normally, a "black label" 6V starter will have an armature diameter of about 5/8", and it will be matched up with a 139 tooth flywheel. The 1955-up "red label" starter will have a shaft diameter close to 1/2", and the correct flywheel will have 168 teeth. BOTH starter drives have 9 teeth, but the tooth pitch will be slightly different. It might be possible to mix and match parts to get a 6V housing and field coils combined with a 12V armature and drive gear, but I have my doubts that it would crank at the proper speed with a 6V battery.
Jerry

I’ll have to run the number on the starter tag. Maybe someone previously mixed and matched.