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6v to 12v Starter Solenoid

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m4co Seriously Crusin Dubber

143 posts · joined Jan 2014 ·

#1038549
I currently have a few 6v starters that are in working order. I am hoping to use one soon but it will be with a 12v system. I hear the sending 12v to the solenoid throws it out too hard against the flywheel and eventually will damage it.

My question is, where do I find a 12v starter solenoid that will work with the 6v starter. Any part numbers?

Thanks!

nbturbo Veteran Volks Folk

2,171 posts · joined Dec 2002 ·

#1038551
I used to take them from early 12 volt Holdens - F and E series.They had Bosch starters.

bevoracing Officially Full-On Dubber

327 posts · joined Jan 2009 ·

#1038553
There seems to have always been a lot of discussion on this subject, but I've always just used a 6V starter on 12V just as it is. I've never actually seen one fail. They're pretty robust really. I don't know about hitting too hard, on 6V they never even approached "normal" as far as I remember. On 12V they don't seem to be any more violent than a 12V starter.
Give it a go.
Cheers
Tony
Country Buggy King & Link Pin Overhauls, Type 1 & 2 King Pins, General Machining.
http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=74138
My car is KO813

nbturbo Veteran Volks Folk

2,171 posts · joined Dec 2002 ·

#1038554
You will know Tony when you hear one working - you won't mistake the noise for trouble ahead.

Euro_67 Wolfsburg Wizard

690 posts · joined Oct 2003 ·

#1038555
I am currently using a 6V starter in my car. The starter cranks strongly but I dont know what sort of life to expect out of it. the solenoid engagement is quite loud.

AA003 Custom Title Time!

1,189 posts · joined Oct 2011 ·

#1038559
bevoracing wrote:There seems to have always been a lot of discussion on this subject, but I've always just used a 6V starter on 12V just as it is. I've never actually seen one fail. They're pretty robust really. I don't know about hitting too hard, on 6V they never even approached "normal" as far as I remember. On 12V they don't seem to be any more violent than a 12V starter.
Give it a go.
Cheers
Tony
I never had a problem.
I read it on samba, so it must be correct.

Sometimes Volkswagen dealers sell spare parts. Amazing isn't it!😂

grumble Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,672 posts · joined Jun 2008 ·

#1038561
A good Bosch auto electrician should be able to help, if not try Rare Spares they may be able to help.

m4co Seriously Crusin Dubber

143 posts · joined Jan 2014 ·

#1038563
I will try find an early Holden solenoid but they are kind of expensive. I just had a thought however, what If I used a voltage reducer to the starter? (Similar to what I am using to run my 6v wipers on 12v) A 12v to 6v reducer, what amperage should it be rated to? Would it work?

psimitar Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,506 posts · joined Jan 2009 ·

#1038600
m4co wrote:I will try find an early Holden solenoid but they are kind of expensive. I just had a thought however, what If I used a voltage reducer to the starter? (Similar to what I am using to run my 6v wipers on 12v) A 12v to 6v reducer, what amperage should it be rated to? Would it work?
The solenoid draws a fair bit more than 10A from memory so you'd need a pretty large reducer.
In all honesty there's no need for a 12v solenoid. The 6V are pretty robust and I've never heard of anyone having an issue with them.
Theoretically the only time it could be a problem is if you have to crank for prolonged periods. Then there is a chance of with or both the starter and solenoid overheating and failing.
But like I said I've never heard of a failure yet. The 12V starters are more prone to failure than the 6V ones.
madness is in the eye of the beholder 👍

m4co Seriously Crusin Dubber

143 posts · joined Jan 2014 ·

#1038618
psimitar wrote:
m4co wrote:I will try find an early Holden solenoid but they are kind of expensive. I just had a thought however, what If I used a voltage reducer to the starter? (Similar to what I am using to run my 6v wipers on 12v) A 12v to 6v reducer, what amperage should it be rated to? Would it work?
The solenoid draws a fair bit more than 10A from memory so you'd need a pretty large reducer.
In all honesty there's no need for a 12v solenoid. The 6V are pretty robust and I've never heard of anyone having an issue with them.
Theoretically the only time it could be a problem is if you have to crank for prolonged periods. Then there is a chance of with or both the starter and solenoid overheating and failing.
But like I said I've never heard of a failure yet. The 12V starters are more prone to failure than the 6V ones.
That's quite a few amps, most reducers are rated up to 5 amp so there goes that idea.

I don't think the starter is the issue with the 12v, it would be damaging the flywheel.

HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 ·

#1038620
Hands up those who have had a flywheel damaged - or any other issue - using a 6v starter on 12v !
I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!

nbturbo Veteran Volks Folk

2,171 posts · joined Dec 2002 ·

#1038632
Only once

HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 ·

#1038639
Was it a 6v starter on a '6v' flywheel, or '12v' flywheel ?
I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!

nbturbo Veteran Volks Folk

2,171 posts · joined Dec 2002 ·

#1038643
6v starter on 6v flywheel with 12 volts - rooted everything. Another flywheel n starter and a brainwave- wonder if the spare fj starter solenoid will fit. Drove it for years.There were times when I had issues with my Ken Virgin twin Holden carbs, and I had to wind it over for ages- thought this will kill it- but it never gave up.

HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 ·

#1038644
nbturbo wrote:I had issues with my Ken Virgin twin Holden carbs, and I had to wind it over for ages-
Could explain a lot. 😎
I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!

AA003 Custom Title Time!

1,189 posts · joined Oct 2011 ·

#1038684
nbturbo wrote:6v starter on 6v flywheel with 12 volts - rooted everything. Another flywheel n starter and a brainwave- wonder if the spare fj starter solenoid will fit. Drove it for years.
FJs were 6V anyway??????????
I read it on samba, so it must be correct.

Sometimes Volkswagen dealers sell spare parts. Amazing isn't it!😂

m4co Seriously Crusin Dubber

143 posts · joined Jan 2014 ·

#1038688
Kurt at VW's Keep Running in Sunshine had one so I picked it up. He is really helpful, I think he might have a few more around.

Red is 12v and black is 6v.

[img]https://preview.ibb.co/gZhGtR/20171124_130907.jpg[/img]

I installed it on the starter and tested it on a battery. It just works much better and isn't so violent.

nbturbo Veteran Volks Folk

2,171 posts · joined Dec 2002 ·

#1038705
AA003 wrote:
nbturbo wrote:6v starter on 6v flywheel with 12 volts - rooted everything. Another flywheel n starter and a brainwave- wonder if the spare fj starter solenoid will fit. Drove it for years.
FJs were 6V anyway??????????
Yes - typed that wrong. Used FC stuff. Had an FJ once and turned it to 12 volts to use modern cassette player and electric wipers.