The Ford Barn

DKnapp · Yesterday, 06:30 PM

I have a high compression "B" engine with Miller Overhead, having trouble starting it with a 6 volt starter. It turns over one rev and very slowly. The cables are getting hot too. It does not seem to have a very strong spark either.
I had it running fine on a test stand with 6 volts, but it is not starting since I put it in the Speedster. It has dual downdrafts and dual point distributor. Also thinking going to a Zenith and regular distributor.
And, I am thinking of buying a 12 volt starter so it will rev over faster. Do you know of a voltage reducer so I can run everything except the starter on 6 volts??
This is for my Speedster. Thanks for any help.

Dick Knapp, just turned 89 and would like to start enjoying this Speedster.

nkaminar · Yesterday, 07:10 PM

If the cable are getting hot they are too small. I am using small cables on my 12 volt system to slow down the starter. The vendors sell cables for 6 volt systems or you could go to a marine supply store and buy the cables and ends to make up your own. West Marine may still have the tools in the store to crimp the ends.

Plus all connections must be bright and tight, including the ground that goes to the engine, probably via the transmission. A LiPo battery will put out more current because of less internal resistance and are about 1/3 the weight. But fix everything else first.

Measure the voltage across the battery while cranking over the engine. The battery may need replacing. Also measure the voltage at the stud on top of the starter switch against a good ground point on the engine while cranking the engine over, which should be the same as at the battery. This cranking can be done with the ignition off.

Oldgearz · Today, 12:06 PM

Go to Just8ns (Ford Tractors) and you can find voltage reducers for converting from 6 to 12 volt. Item 8NE10306 may be what you need.

alexiskai · Today, 01:33 PM

First thing I would try is, get some big fat 2/0 battery cables, hook them up to the battery, and connect the ground cable to a bolt on the starter. Remove the starter switch to expose the copper terminal button. Touch the negative cable to the starter terminal and see if it cranks at the right speed.

If it cranks correctly, the problem is in your wiring.

old31 · Today, 04:06 PM

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That's my kinda guy. 89 and wants his speedster!

x2 on what Alex said.

Yesterday, 07:10 PM	#2
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 6,847	Re: Electrical question help If the cable are getting hot they are too small. I am using small cables on my 12 volt system to slow down the starter. The vendors sell cables for 6 volt systems or you could go to a marine supply store and buy the cables and ends to make up your own. West Marine may still have the tools in the store to crimp the ends. Plus all connections must be bright and tight, including the ground that goes to the engine, probably via the transmission. A LiPo battery will put out more current because of less internal resistance and are about 1/3 the weight. But fix everything else first. Measure the voltage across the battery while cranking over the engine. The battery may need replacing. Also measure the voltage at the stud on top of the starter switch against a good ground point on the engine while cranking the engine over, which should be the same as at the battery. This cranking can be done with the ignition off. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past. Last edited by nkaminar; Yesterday at 07:21 PM.

Today, 12:06 PM	#3
Oldgearz Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Sagle, Idaho Posts: 417	Re: Electrical question help Go to Just8ns (Ford Tractors) and you can find voltage reducers for converting from 6 to 12 volt. Item 8NE10306 may be what you need.

Today, 01:33 PM	#4
alexiskai Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Mebane NC Posts: 3,176	Re: Electrical question help First thing I would try is, get some big fat 2/0 battery cables, hook them up to the battery, and connect the ground cable to a bolt on the starter. Remove the starter switch to expose the copper terminal button. Touch the negative cable to the starter terminal and see if it cranks at the right speed. If it cranks correctly, the problem is in your wiring.

Today, 04:06 PM	#5
old31 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 2,686	Re: Electrical question help Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) That's my kinda guy. 89 and wants his speedster! x2 on what Alex said.