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6V starter vs 12V battery

S

SDE

Well-known Member
Farmall 400,but could be any older tractor with original 6 volt system.
The drive broke on my starter and the battery needs to be replaced. Should a person buy a lower rated battery to save the starter? Like a 650 cc instead of a 900 cc, or even lower than that? Should a person replace the larger battery cables with smaller ones so that the starter doesn't get hit with as high of voltage?
TY
SDE
 
I don't know the precise answer to your question........

But it seems to me you are working on the wrong end of the problem to "starve" your starter of power to "help" the starter.

Instead I would make sure the rest of the tractor is up to par so it starts easily and your starter only needs to be engaged for a second or two.
 
Operating a 6V starter from a 12V battery results in shock loading to the starter, starter drive and ring gear well beyond design specs.

Yes, many folks do this and many have not yet had issues but most will if done long enough.

The proper solution is to replace the starter (or at least the field coils) with 12V items.

Dean
 
I've heard of using a low amp battery and small cables, but not sure it really helps.

The low amp battery and small cables would have minimal effect on the starter with no load on it, which is the condition it is under while spinning the drive into the flywheel. Once engaged the drive should be able to handle the extra torque, it's the slam in that it doesn't like.

Having everything in good condition is helpful. Good bushings, a good drive gear, good flywheel gear, and a properly tuned engine for easy starts.

And paying close attention to the starting process. Stop and think for a second before hitting the switch, "is everything ready?" Once the starter is engaged, keep it engaged until it starts (within reason). But if it fails to start, listen closely for the starter to wind down and stop, also be sure the engine is not rebounding off a compression stroke and turning backward before trying the starter again. Be sure the timing is right, too fast and it will kick back, stressing the starter even more.

Still it comes down to the specific design of the starter. Some are strong enough to handle it, some are not.
 
There is a newer style starter drive that absorbs a lot of shock, the existing might be original, pretty good life.
 
I got tired of replacing starter drives. Went with 12v YT starter for Jubilee. No 12v starter available for Farmall c. So I replaced cables with wires used on riding mowers 10g.

Then I installed an old mower battery. Problem solved.

Buying a heavier drive can chip off starter teeth. I lost a tooth on Jubilee.

So yes use a wimpy battery. Down size cables.
 
(quoted from post at 09:54:54 08/13/19) Operating a 6V starter from a 12V battery results in shock loading to the starter, starter drive and ring gear well beyond design specs.
Dean
Click to expand...
Don't tell my NAA that, been using a 6 volt starter with a 12 volt system for over 25 years.
 
Been using a 12 volt battery with a 6 volt starter in an Allis Chalmers B for the last thirty years with no problems with the starter.
 
Been using a 12v batter on my DC with the original 6v starter since the 80s with no problems.
 
sde, Myself, like others have used 6 volt starters at 12 volts and never had a problem. When possible replacement with a new improved starter drive can help.

That being said, if all else is well and good you are CORRECT. Regardless of what drive or 6 volt starter you have if you're going to operate it at 12 volts IT CAN HELP REDUCE THE SHOCK AND DRIVE AND GEAR WEAR N TEAR IF YOU USE A SMALLER CCA BATTERY That's sort of a Well Duh. Similar, smaller cables will drop more voltage and can lessen the hard shock and drive and gear wear n tear when using 12 volts on a 6 volt starter.

Of course the engineering correct answer is to have the starter converted to 12 volts or get a new 12 volt starter, even though I never had a problem with 12 on 6.

NOTE I'm NOT saying what's best or needed or not needed, I'm ONLY saying your idea of a smaller CCA battery and/or smaller cables can indeed reduce the shock n wear n tear on drives and gears etc. so don't anyone have a calf lol

John T
 
6 volt/12 volt doesn't make any difference to the starter, I would agree a 650 cranking amps would be lees torgue than a 950 amp battery. I would think a 550 cranking amps would be fine. as long as your charging system is good it will last you a long time. I put battery maintainers on mine that I don't use much to keep them charged. as long as you keep your tractor tuned up it should start very easy. the thing about a battery that is actually to big it helps take care of a starting problem and actually will hurt you later on.
 
1982 temp was -30 and my 1974 Ford pickup with a 360 would not crank enough to start. Two 12 volt batteries hooked in series to the starter made it spin like summer time. I have started many pre direct injection diesels this way, so far have never lost a starter.
 
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