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starters

G

greyfoxxca

Member
Many folks have changed old six volt systems over to 12 volts for better starting and lack of old six volt parts.

I do believe the old starter basically are robust enough to work at 12 volts if the engine is in good shape and starts quickly. They certainly will put out more power than with the six volt system.

I have noticed many old tractor starters have Bendix or starter drive issues. I have a couple that I have to fix at this point. I am not saying it does not happen to six volt systems but has anyone noticed an increase in issues after switching to 12 volts? As it is I think the starter drive on older starters tend to be the weak link.

George
 
Ive got 5 of my 7 tractors on 12 volt. (The other 2, one is already 12 volt, and one is a hand crank) The one thats been on 12 volt the longest, about 27 years now, has never had the starter off for any problems at all since being on 12 volt! It was taken off and cleaned up, and new brushes installed when I restored the tractor in 2000.
 
With good brushes,bearings and starter drive they will give great service on 6v. But it seems to be easier just to spend more money and go 12v than get the starter in the shape when new. Dont forget to get new 1ga cables either. We didnt have 12v when they were new so we learned how to maintain connections ect as we used them almoxt everyday year around. Sure doesent hurt to clean the batt terminals and add distilled water. I was trained in 47 when the tractor was new and was informed that was my job at 12. It worked verry well.
 
I agree with Gene. 6V is fine if you take care of it (and it is NOT that hard)...........

all mine are 6V or hand crank. with the ignition tuned up, starting is NOT an issue.

to each his own............
 
no dought about it using 12v on 6v starters does put extra strain on the bendix and ring gear as their slammed together and engage much harder.
 
Well that explains the pride you take in maintaining your 6v systems today! I prefer 6v myself. Never had a problem with one as long as I kept up with the maintainence.
 
Our Ms were converted to 12 volts back when they regulary went to field and put in 60 hour+ weeks and we had no more starter problems than when they were on 6 volts. 12 volt will turn engine over faster with more voltage left for coil giving quicker start IMHO. 6 volt system will work fine if everything is kept in near perfect condition, so will trip rope plows but I prefer hydraulic lifts and our plows were converted in fiftys.
 
And another thing i was going to add is that those old tractors did not have to be spun over fast to start. reminds me of the old chev engines compared to the ford. the chev would turn real slow with a low batt. and start. the ford had to spin over fast or forget it.
 
Got to agree with Gene and Dave. Always ran 6 v. and was never a problem. I did learn from Dad and his strict maintenance on his tractors which helped.
 
We rebuild starters, some people want a 12 volt conversion. A 6 volt starter will pull more amperage but spin faster though remember thats cranking speed is not no load speed. I have 6 volt sytems that I am very happy with. 6 volt starters running on 12 volts are kind of hard on starters drives. I have been putting a special drive on for customers who run 6 volt starters on 12 volts that will withstand the added torque. If you do switch to 12 volt remember that your charging system will need changed plus light bulbs and any other accesories. If you switch to 12 volt will you use an alternator? If you use a generator you'll need a 12 volt regulator for the generator. If you get an alternator thats internally regulated you won't have to worry about the regulator, just finding space for an alternator can be a problem sometimes. It can be a hard decision but I have always been happy with a good working 6 volt system. Go to a good shop and get the conversion done if you want or send me an email.
 
I appreciate all coments.

My choice will be to maintain and keep the six volts going. Only likely tractors to change over will be the ones without a mag.

I will just have to sit down and start doing maintenance on these old starters and generator.

George
 
There is a new type drive for IH tractors that is more robust, and a better cushion. It is not even close to the same look, but it is the best option.
the old style with the flat helical spring is prone to jamming. The starters running on 12 volts operate far less (time on task) because the tractors fire right up. Thus less total wear. Jim
 
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