The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop starter question - what is it?

Diving into new project, '53 1-ton. Found answers to some questions - here's another question: I installed a 12-volt foot activated starter from a salvage yard that is compatible (gear wise) - I just don't know what the little switch gizmo is on the top (not the main foot pedal switch). This is a little cylinder-shaped thing (a little smaller than a tobacco chaw can) with three electrical posts on it - it seems to be a switch that gets activated when the starter is activated. I can supply pic if this is too vague. I'm having some trouble with the starter engaging the flywheel gear - this isn't some kind of switch to engage the flywheel gear is it?

new: http://Alignment2012.com/1953chevy.html

Hy Colorado51three
quarter, The switch you are describing is a polarity reversing switch, it's purpose was to change the polarity of the power flowing through the points [primary ignition cicuit], it would change the polarity every time the engine was started. Now to your engagement problem, 12 volt starters are not compatable with flywheels designed for 6 volt starters. As long as your engine doesn't require a lot of cranking when starting, your 6 volt starter will work just fine on 12 volts, hope that helps.

I ran a 6 volt starter for years with a 12 volt system. As long as you don't have to crank it for a long period of time, it will function correctly. If you crank for a long time, they will overheat and the armature will expand causing the starter to drag.
If you change to a 12 volt starter, you will also have to change the flywheel to have the appropriate number of teeth to function with a 12 volt starter. The 12 volt starter teeth look the same and look like they will match up, but they will not.

Joe