Technical 8BA 12v starter question

Hey guys,

Building an 8BA for my coupe and want to convert it to 12v. Should I have the original starter rebuilt for 12v or buy a new one? ...I like the original parts personally.

Thanks,
Carl

 

I have a new 12 volt high torque mini starter on my recently rebuilt 8BA just because I wanted more room for the exhaust in that area but I have heard folks run the stock 6 volt starter and it spins the motor fine on 12 volts. You just can't crank it for extended periods of time as I understand it.

 

I have been using the same original 6V starter on 12 volts for over a decade. No problems.

 

Save your money to convert to 12v on the starter. You can use the original 6v starter forever when you convert the system to 12v.

 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1396542&postcount=5

I built my own following the instructions in this link. Because I had a Mercury 390 FE starter laying around. Took about 20 minutes and works like a champ.


Walt
Outsiders CC

 

Thanks guys! I was thinking about keeping it 6v but the brushes warn so I replaced them. Giving some 12v juice shows no love - something is wrong with it.

 

That's some great info, I.M.M.
Thanks!

 

Hi In Australia the trucks were 12v from the early 50' probably 1952 onwards the same in Americia....both starter and generator regulator 8BA

 

A 6V starter will work fine on 12V, no need to make any changes. If you replaced the brushes and it is not working, then something happened when you did that. Take back apart and check.

Also, although you did not ask, a 6V pos ground starter will also work fine on 12 neg ground. It will spin the correct direction.

 

I've been using my 6V starter on 12V for 10 years.

 

If you to decide to go with a new 12 bolt starter get one with the old style Bendix. The new style enclosed ones are a pain to install and sometimes require a bit of massaging with a grinder.