6 Volt vs 12 Volt Battery Performance

[55 Fargo]

Hi all, when comparing a 6 volt system and a 12 volt system in there ability to crank the starter motor.

Should the 6 volt system crank as fast and powerful as the 12 volt system?

Or should a 6 volt system be a bit slower than the 12 volt system in the ability to crank the starter motor?

This is of course with a well maintained system, at 70 degrees ambient temperature.

What should cranking be like at say 32 degrees ambient temperature?

Just trying to determine whether my system is cranking and providing the juice it needs, or if I need to fix something that is incorrect..................Thanx Fred

[Normspeed]

Hmm, it's a little early in the season for cabin fever, Fred. I think the 6v systems crank slower. They slow down in cold temps too. Should still be capable of starting a well tuned engine in cold weather, especially if you're armed with a can of ether.

[Norm's Coupe]

Fred,

As the other Norm stated, the 6 volt system will be a slower crank than the 12 volt system. From what you've said in the past, it sounds like yours is cranking ok. Of course we are saying that without the benefit of being there. I think it's like a lot of things on the old cars. Everyone is use to the newer cars and their speed in cranking, etc. Then when they hop in their old cars with the old setups it doesn't sound right, but really nothing is wrong with it. That may be what you are experiencing.

[55 Fargo]

Cabin Fever, nah I have Chrysler fever, no hang on it's Mopar Madness, yes thats it, but Norm, it is not too early in winter in this part of Canada to get cabin fever. It is 20 outside right now, high of the same for tomorrow, this is mild for this time of year. So tomorrow, it will be a New Years Eve bon fire, it is Icelandic Tradition to have a fire on New Years to burn out the old year and bring in the new.Have a Happy New Year in Southern California.........Fred

[55 Fargo]

Hi Norm, I think you are correct in my not being used to a 6 v system. When I first started the engine in this car 2 years ago I used a 12 volt battery, man did that ever turn over fast compared to when I installed the 6 V battery.Happy New Year..........Fred

[BobT-47P15]

The Plymouth started this morning.....temps in the 20s and 30s, some in

the teens lately. Started after I poured a little gas into the carbureator,

that is. Had set for sometime and pumping the pedal didn't do the trick.

Once it started with being primed, it ran fine and re-started OK. Still 6 volt.

Does not crank over very fast.....has 00 size cables.