6 volt starter question

[HHHans]

I'm having trouble with 6 volt starter in my 8N. It barely turns over even though it's fairly new (Not the battery). I
could convert to 12v but it seams that these 6v starters should work as they did when new. What am I missing?

 

[Tom N MS]

Have the battery checked for free at az or adv auto--likely weak battery or bad connection--all connections need to be clean bright and tight..and yes, leave it 6 volts...

 

[John in Mich]

What Tom said. ALL electrical connections need to be clean, including the base plate of the starter to the block. I have never switched any N to 12 volts. Most that I have seen were changed for the wrong reason and were covering up a weak engine, bad wiring or both.

 

[duey]

When folks tell you to check the connections, it is good advice.... but don't forget about the OTHER half of the circuit.... the GROUND side... battery ground, ground cable end to chassis, starter to BLOCK.. it ALL has to be *good* and clean.

For example, a voltmeter connected between the starter body and the (grounded) battery terminal should show *NO* voltage reading (even on the 2 Volt range) when the starter is cranking. ANY voltage reading means power loss somewhere in the ground circuit.

 

[pinball]

I would suggest you have your battery tested. Whether it tests good or not I think you take every wire loose and clean all connections with a wire brush. Battery cables connections should be sanded where there bolted on. An electrical circuit has amperage ( Amperage causes heat )going through it that causes connections to expand and contract therefore you may loose partial contact. It is very critical on 6volt systems to have a good clear electrical path. If you have that and a good generator then it should spin it over just fine. just my 3 cents worth. norm

 

[agjim]

Dont forget the size of the battery cables. Many replacement cables have been replaced with the size used with 12 volt systems(probably 4 gauge) which require less amp capacity. 6 volt needs 0 or 00 size cables on ground, from batt. to solenoid and from solenoid to starter if a cable is used.
Jim

 

[HHHans]

I'll get on it this week and let you know.

 

[HHHans]

Cleaned the grounded battery cable at both ends today. What a difference!! Thanks to all for the information.