Starter question

JasonNC
JasonNC Expert Adviser
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Lately I've had problems with the starter(s) on my 48 Commodore either breaking the teeth off the flywheel or the bendix breaking on the starter itself. I changed over to 12 volts and had one starter changed to 12 volts also. I kept a 6 volt starter that I use when the 12 volt breaks the bendix. The six volt starter hits the flywheel so hard that it is wearing the gears off the flywheel. Is there a reason why the 12 volt keeps breaking the bendix? In particular, could the starter not be lined up correctly and causing the problems I'm describing. The rear gears on a Hudson flywheel are real hard to come by.

Jason

Comments

  • JasonNC
    JasonNC Expert Adviser
    Same thing. I had the windings changed to 12volts. I'm not sure about the windings numbers since I had it done at a starter shop, but I think he used the same windings commonly used in older Chrysler 12v cars.
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    One thing to check is that the starter body has been assembled the correct way on the rear plate, as the bolt holes are slightly offset. If assembled 180 degrees out, the starter body is slightly outboard, and does not mesh fully with the flywheel teeth, only contacting the outer edges of the teeth. This could definitely cause problems with 12v operation.

    Geoff.
  • HornetSpecial
    HornetSpecial Expert Adviser
    I also had problems in my '49. Hudson308 gave me alot of help. I did all the same things he did, but was still having problems with bendix and small gear busting. My car also came with busted teeth on flywheel. I fixed that, and did all that Hudson308 did. Still busted little gear on starter. When Geof C mentioned that there is an off set he is correct. If not correct it will bust ring gear teeth off. I found my problem, someone had the wrong bolts in starter. It let starter move sideways when the 12 volt hit. It would bind starter with flywheel and do big damage. So check the bolts as well. I think the ones in mine were 3/8 and I replaced with 5/16. Hope this helps, and good luck!!

    Paul
  • Nevada Hudson
    Nevada Hudson Senior Contributor
    The automatic starters are stronger. I have a stick shift, and my '51 Hornet was converted to 12 volts. After a broken ring gear, and 3 broken starter bendexes, I converted it back to 6 volts. It runs and works perfect now with no problems !
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    One of the reasons I advocate sticking to 6 volts! Several of our members here have converted vintage era cars to 12 volts, and are now into breaking Bendix studs and springs with monotonous regularity. It's over to each individual what they do, but you have take all such things into consideraton.

    Geoff.
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