Foot activated starter

[8SECONDSS]

I'm converting my 47 dodge truck to 12 volts and want to keep my foot activated starter set up. I know that it needs a ford solenoid but that would take away the foot start. My 6 volt starter was just rebuilt. Thanks, Greg

[Merle Coggins]

I can't confirm for myself, but many guys here have reported using their existing 6 volt starter with 12 volts with no adverse issues. It'll crank much faster and as such is only used for short periods.

[41/53dodges]

Keep the stock 6v starter. It will spin the engine over faster and fire up better. Mine has no issue firing up in winter because of this. Plus little do most people know, but if you try and turn a starte motor continuously it will burn up anyways, so 12v wont hurt.

-josh

Come to think of it isnt there a sticky about this somewhere?

Edited December 4, 2013 by 41/53dodges

[MBF]

Converted my 36 Plym, and 52 1 ton to 12volts several years ago.  Starter spins faster-no mods needed.  Like the others said leaving it engaged too long will cause damage. 

[Young Ed]

If you don't have a solenoid now you shouldnt need one after converting.

[8SECONDSS]

Will try it out and use short cranks . Thanks for the replies, Greg

[41/53dodges]

When we say not to crank for extended periods, we mean minutes at a time. Mother Mopar really got a good starter, feel free to crank away! treat it like most any other vehicle in regards to starting.

[MBF]

What 41/53dodge said!  The solenoid is only needed if you're going to do away with the foot activated switch.  If you do make that switch I believe the bendix would have to be changed to the centrifugal type.  The foot starter manually engages the gear on the starter to the flywheel teeth and the next part of the pedal travel closes the switch to turn on the starter motor.   Mike

[8SECONDSS]

Thanks for all the info. Going to try it out today. Greg

[Don Coatney]

The foot starter manually engages the gear on the starter to the flywheel teeth and the next part of the pedal travel closes the switch to turn on the starter motor.   Mike

That is exactly why a 6 volt foot controlled starter motor works very well on 12 volts. A solenoid controlled starter spins the starter motor first thing before the gear is engaged and a 6 volt starter motor running on 12 volts will sometimes clash before the gear is fully engaged. That is why I swapped in a 12 volt starter on my car.

[8SECONDSS]

Tried it out today, starter spins faster but smooth. And I have another issue. Now the carb has a slight hesitation off idle. When it was 6 volt I was running an electric fuel pump, the carter type. Same type of pump but 12 volt, and carb hesitating. Any clues? Thanks

[41/53dodges]

Sounds like a variation in pressures. That or you got some junk in the carb while you were switching the pump. Try resetting the float level.

[Don Coatney]

Remove the accelerator pump from the carburetor and soak it in oil overnight. Reinstall and try it again.

[8SECONDSS]

Will pull the carb apart today, thanks, Greg

[8SECONDSS]

Don, thanks it was the excelerator pump. The truck was down for only a week. Installed a new one and no more whip lash. Thanks again, Greg