Best starter for 12V....

[thrashingcows]

Just wondering which starter would be best for the 12V conversion I'm planning. I have two different starters right now, both 6V units. One is the original unit off the grenaded 251 in the Desoto...it has the solenoid on top of the starter itself. The other came on the rebuilt 218...it is just a starter with no solenoid, just a post on the top.

Wondering which one would work best for a 12V negative ground system, as opposed to the 6V positive ground system.

[Adam H P15 D30]

I would use the 6v starter with NO solenoid. Then use a 12v remote solenoid. Starter doesn't know the difference between 6 and 12v as long as you don't grind away at it.

[steveplym]

Yeah got to have a 12 volt solenoid. You should be able to find one at any auto parts store. I think I bought mine at o'reillys. I've been running my original 6V starter with 12V for almost 3 years now. I know others on here have had 6V starter failures with 12V, but so far so good for me. Not to say it will never go out, but as long as it isn't broke, I'm not going to fix it.

[thrashingcows]

Thank you for the replies. I was kind of leaning that way myself. Grab a starter solenoid from a 70's/80's Ford and wire it up. Plus the starter that is on the 218 is know to work...as opposed to the one of unknown condition from the old blown 251.

[55 Fargo]

Or, find a 56 or later 12 volt starter motor that was from a flathead 6. I have a 56 12 volt starter in my truck, and it is great. The 12 volt starts up as easy as my 2005 Caravan 3/4 of the time, cannot say the same for my 6 volt 47 Chrysler, it is a fussy starter, I have the 2/0 cables, and all is in decentshape, but does not start like my 12 volt flattie..

[Paul Hoffmeyer]

'56 starter is the latest year that will work. Flywheel tooth count was changed in '57 to 172, I believe, from 146 tooth '56 back to maybe '33?

Paul H:)

[thrashingcows]

Thank you again for the added responses. I was digging around with the "search" function and came across the info you so graciously provided for me.

I'd rather not have to source out another starter...time frame wise I need to get the motor running in the next month or so. And budget wise I'd like to utilize what I have on hand.

[55 Fargo]

Then go with the 218 starter motor, and a fresh solenoid switch. This will spin like a MF, and crank the engine to life way better than on a 6 v diet. I know this as, I have done this with mine, when I first got it running....

[55 Fargo]

Just be sure to use heavy battery cables, 2/0 or 1/0 even with 12 volt going in, as the starter will have a higher amperage draw on 12 volts, if it is a 6 volt starter...

[captden29]

i used my 6 volt starter on a greymarine flathead 6 cyl because i could not find a 12 volt one for the year of that engine[ 1957].all else was converted to 12 volt. ten years later i sold the boat and it was still starting fine.just don't crank too long at any one time. capt den

[thrashingcows]

Just be sure to use heavy battery cables, 2/0 or 1/0 even with 12 volt going in, as the starter will have a higher amperage draw on 12 volts, if it is a 6 volt starter...

I'll be running 1/0 gauge battery cables....Thanks for the heads up.

And Captden29...Thank you for the example in longevity.

[PatS....]

just don't crank too long at any one time. capt den

That advice goes for any starter, no matter the voltage.