1952 Hornet 6-12 volt conversion

FinnHudson

I'm going to change my Hornet from 6 volt to 12 volt.
Could someone help me with starter problem. I should find 12v field coils or a complete starter for my car. Engine is 308.
Somebody told Ford's 12v ministarter could fit. Could someone confirm it?

bob ward

Some Ford geared starter motors may well have the same pinion as the Hudson (9 tooth x 28mm OD) but I have no idea if the flanges and bolt holes are the same.

http://openforum.hetclub.org/discussion/166555/geared-starter-motor-for-a-35-h8#latest

ESSX28-1

Maybe this list from Park W in 2010 will help
12 volt Starter field
windings  ex Park Waldrop

Here are the numbers for 12v starter field
windings for the stepdown and Hash cars. Your local starter-generator shop
should be able to get these and install them. Hudson starter number in paren's, followed by
field coils Ace part nr.

48–50 All except 50 Pacemaker (MCL-6006) ST-49 12V

50 Pacemaker (MZ-4159) ST-48 12V

51–55 std trans 8-cyl, 262 and 308 engines (MCH-6109) ST-33-X 12V

51–54 auto trans, all except Jet (MCH-6204) ST-33-X 12V

55 auto trans Hornet 6 (MCH-6306) ST-33-X 12V

53–55 std trans 202 and 232 engines (MZ-4167) ST-48 12V

53–55 auto trans 202 engines (MZ-4172) ST-48 12V.

And for those still
"Dancing with the Splashers", the Ace part numbers are:



41–47 Hudson 6-cyl (MZ-4092) ST-48 12V

41–47 Hudson
8-cyl (MAB-4100) ST-31 12V

FinnHudson

Thank you very much.
You have been very helpful again.

RichardD

Has anyone had a 6 volt starter fail on 12 volts?  Basically all the starter will get is 9 volts. My '53 Hornet has a MCH-6306 starter ('55) and it hasn't failed. Do keep an extra NAPA Bendix in the trunk, tho.

My car also starts most all the time within 2 seconds (if you have an elec fuel primer and know how many pedal pats to give depending on engine temperature). If it doesn't, it is generally flooded.

Have a 1931 Franklin also on 12 volts w/o a problem. Starting is faster.

I think the problem might be running a 12 V starter on 6 volts???

Just thoughts~~~

 

IvarSweden

My 1948 was running 12 volts on the 6 volt starter. The starter ring was badly worn, probably from the hard engagements. I've now bought a starter with 12 volt field coils installed, not tested it yet though.

Glowplug

I converted my 6 volt starter with 12 volt windings. Eliminated hard engagement problem and starts on 1st revolution.

hudson52sam

I've never had any problems with mine after I switched to 12 volts on my 52 hudson wasp 262 six cylinder

RL Chilton

The hard engagement is problem #1 and #2 is you can't grind on 6V starter on a 12V system for very long or you will burn it up.  If your engine is tuned properly, you can get away with it . . . at least for a while.  This is for Standard transmissions.  

Should never run a 6V starter on a 12V system with a Hydra-matic.  You will eventually break the nose cone on the starter and as far as I know there is not a replacement (except the cone from another starter).  Yes, I know, there are those out there that have run them for years, and so have I, but I assure you, eventually, sooner (if not later), it's going to be a problem.  I've got 4 or 5 on the shelf to prove it (I broke one of them, for the record).  

I've got a 6V starter on the convertible right now, in fact (12V system) and it works great.  I also just got my 12V starter completed and it's sitting on the bench waiting for me to swap it out.  

Surely there is a less-expensive option, but a local shop here will do a complete rebuild (with whatever field coils you want) for $289, which makes me wince.  I remember paying $20 for new starters all day long.  Those were the days!  Anyone knows of crossover parts that work, I would like to hear about them.