6v to 12v Starter Solenoid
m4co - November 16th, 2017 at 06:51 PM
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 - November 16th, 2017 at 08:38 PM
I used to take them from early 12 volt Holdens - F and E series.They had Bosch starters.
bevoracing - November 17th, 2017 at 12:56 PM
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
nbturbo - November 17th, 2017 at 02:13 PM
You will know Tony when you hear one working - you won't mistake the noise for trouble ahead.
Euro_67 - November 17th, 2017 at 02:16 PM
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 - November 17th, 2017 at 04:34 PM
| Quote: |
Originally
posted by bevoracing
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.
grumble - November 17th, 2017 at 04:40 PM
A good Bosch auto electrician should be able to help, if not try Rare Spares they may be able to help.
m4co - November 17th, 2017 at 06:36 PM
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 - November 20th, 2017 at 06:17 PM
| Quote: |
Originally
posted by m4co
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.
m4co - November 21st, 2017 at 10:14 PM
| Quote: |
Originally
posted by psimitar
| Quote: | Originally
posted by m4co
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 - November 22nd, 2017 at 05:33 AM
Hands up those who have had a flywheel damaged - or any other issue - using a 6v starter on 12v !
nbturbo - November 23rd, 2017 at 07:06 AM
Only once
HappyDaze - November 23rd, 2017 at 09:50 AM
Was it a 6v starter on a '6v' flywheel, or '12v' flywheel ?
nbturbo - November 23rd, 2017 at 03:45 PM
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 - November 23rd, 2017 at 04:31 PM
| Quote: |
Originally
posted by nbturbo
I had issues with my Ken Virgin twin Holden carbs, and I had to wind it over for ages-
|
Could explain a lot. 
AA003 - November 24th, 2017 at 06:43 PM
| Quote: |
Originally
posted by nbturbo
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??????????
m4co - November 24th, 2017 at 09:19 PM
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.
I installed it on the starter and tested it on a battery. It just works much better and isn't so violent.
nbturbo - November 26th, 2017 at 09:04 AM
| Quote: |
Originally
posted by AA003
| Quote: | Originally
posted by nbturbo
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.