6 Volt Vehicle Cold Start - Should You Convert Your 6 Volt to 12?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ส.ค. 2024
- It seems that so many folks have a lot of trouble getting their 6 volt powered vehicles to start. Or perhaps their ears simply don't like how it sounds...
Either way, don't panic, you don't have to jump right on the 12v conversion band wagon! Lets try fixing what's wrong first!
Jay Leno said " look smart guys engineered these old systems and if kept in proper shape they worked back then, and they will work just fine" you just validated what Jay said.
I like to see someone who likes keeping their collection precisely period correct, it bothers me seeing others who take a 70 year old vehicle and gut out all the old parts and slap an LS v8 in it, new dash, automatic transmission etc. To me i like keeping things the way it was the year it was built. So thankyou for keeping things period correct your awesome!
Jay, love your videos! I have a 1941 Buick 6 volt, and a 1953 Chevy 210 sedan. A mechanic a few years ago talked me into switching the Chevy over to 12 volt. What a nightmare! He forgot one important thing! The ignition. It ran like there was something going on with the fuel system. Until I figured out the problem I was stumped! That’s what I get for not knowing how to do everything on a car, and owning something that old. Definitely a learning curve! I love your Chevy!
I’m an engineering student and I loved your analogy with the straw and the milkshake, couldn’t have said it better myself. Although my 67 VW is 12 volt I drive it every day even through winter. People my age can’t believe how well it starts and drives. Keep it stock and you won’t have issues
What I didn't hear mentioned was the term amperage draw (maybe it was, I just didn't hear it). In a 6v system the amperage draw is much higher than in a 12v system, which is why you need larger diameter cables to support the higher current draw. Even the wiring harness in a 6v system uses larger diameter wires due to the higher amperage draw of lights and accessories. Lower volts = higher amps. Higher volts = lower amps.
I ran 6v in my 49 Chevy 3100 for 5 nearly trouble free years, year round. I like to tinker so I kept it in properly serviced which isn't rocket science but it does require regularly scheduled maintenance. I'll venture that the coldest I started it and took it out for a cruise somewhere in the mid 20's F. I don't function as well in such cold temps so unless its necessary neither do my toys, LOL.
The 6v never let me down but I did add a 6v to 12v converter circuit so I could run a modern radio & power outlet. The integration of a couple 12v circuits running side by side with the 6v electrics was trouble free. So I agree that a well tuned & maintained 6v system will work fine in these old vehicles year round. I will admit that 12v is very good too....
I will say that any carbureted ICE that doesn't require choke to start is set too rich.
I would have to set the manual choke on my 216's Rochester B carb to cold start but once it caught (started to run) I could almost completely open the choke & it would fast idle until I felt it would idle at std rpm and opened the choke completely. It would stumble a little when pulling out but could be mitigated by applying slight choke until the engine was fully up to operating temp. Once up to temp no stumbling and good power. That old 216 powered 1/2 ton avg'ed 14 mpg and could still haul it's spec'ed weight up to the point when I repowered the pickup. The 216 should live again, some day.
In any case, sorry for the long post, enjoyed the vid.
Dave
Have the original six volt system in my 53 210 and all I did was made sure I had clean connections, all the grounds were good and added a 0-0 positive cable and I have never had any issues with starting the car in the 15 years I have owned it. It has never let me down....
Thanks for that timely video! I've been waffling for over 2 years now about the conversion. I tested the headlamps and they both worked, but by 2 years later, both have failed and had to be replaced. I keep staying with 6 volts - now because I have so much invested in 6 volt items. When I rewired the car, I incorporated both turn signals and emergency flashers. I was stunned to find that I had to have both a 6V turn signal flasher and a 6V emergency flasher - 12V units would not work. I figured the flashers being in series with the bulbs meant the flashers were current-operated, and voltage would not matter. Wrong! Of course, at 6 volts, any bulb having a wattage the same as a 12V bulb will require twice the current. I especially appreciate the comments on the battery cable gauges. I had simply tried to find cables of the correct length, and ignored the gauge totally. It rarely gets below 30 degrees here in SC, so that's not so much a problem for me. I kinda like the way the old car grunts to life. It does have a romantic quality in my opinion. If I'm gonna have a radio, I'll probably just put a gel cell in there and charge it separately. Keep up the good work!
Hey Jay. I'm leaving my Buick 6 volt. I got it stated a couple of weeks ago on 6 volt and it was the first time it was started in I don't know how many years. I was surprised. Thanks for sharing.🍁🍁👍👍
100% agree. I’ve had many 6 volt vehicles and not a one has ever let me down. I can’t say that about every 12 volt vehicle I’ve owned. Of course the 6 volts have been collector cars that were treated accordingly, but if it worked fine when it was a new car, it’ll work now if properly maintained. Winters are no colder now than they were when that old car was new. You’ve exposed the secret, you’ve got to maintain them like it used to be done. Simple.
Thank you for another great video Mr. Jay! I experienced the same thing in rebuilding the electrical system on my 1950 Farmall. After taking all the jury rigging off of it and rebuilding it to 1950 specs it starts easy every time regardless of how cold it is.
Now I’m redoing a 1948 Chevy Stylemaster and you’ve only further helped me decide to stick with the 6 volt system. I’m having to replace the wiring and rebuild the electrical system just as you did. Thanks also for the videos on all that as well! It helps greatly to have them for a guide!
You're welcome, thanks for watching and have fun!
Glad you mentioned battery cables. Most people under a certain age just don't understand that. You forgot about another critical item - the battery itself. If you see a 6 volt battery at a chain auto parts store, it will probably be Group 1. That is too small, unless your car is a VW, Jeep, early Rambler or something. You must use Group 2 or larger. Also, the reason so many 50s and later starters spin so fast is because engines by then had more aggressive cams, which makes them a little harder to start. That means a stronger starter is required, or else you will have starting problems.
I have a 52 Oldsmobile that I had starting problems with. I went to the local chain automotive store and bought a battery, there wasn't one in the car when I got it. The batteries, I finally went thru 3 of them, lasted just about the year they were guaranteed for. I was really just about over it and my friend told me that I shouldn't convert to 12 volt, that a starter in decent shape and the right cables should have her starting properly. I had the starter off several times, new brushes and bushings and cleaned the commutator. After fooling with it over a long period of time I found that the armature was bent and subsequently replaced that. The battery cables were the originals so of correct size, my friend turned me on to a place that makes up new cables of correct size. But I decided to replace it with a new one anyway. After the new cable was on, I cut open the old one, it had blue corrosion half way down the lenght of it. And this last time I needed a battery, I bought an Optima red top, I'll never buy another regular battery from a chain store again. The gel type battery doesn't look right and I wish I'd known about Interstate, they make a gel battery that looks like an original. But she starts reliably no matter how long I let her sit or how cold it is.Your advice is 100% on the money.
Amen. I'm frequently asked why I dont't change to 12 volts. I briefly explain what you said. 50 Hudson 8 cyl.
I have a 50 Ford 55 Dodge and 55 Plymouth all 6 Volt and they all start in the cold . When I was a kid my Dad's 52 Chevy started fine in the winter . Great video . Thanks
100%, my 53 Packard has 6 volt and hasn't let me down yet! Like you said these systems are 70+ years old, and if everything is weak of course your vehicle is not going to start well. Once everything is up to snuff you'll be good to go!
An old mechanic told me as a youngster that you could put 12 volts to a 6 volt starter without issues as long as the tune was good, as the 12 volts would not hurt as long as there was not a significant amount of cranking time. 12 volt spin a 6 volt starter much faster, and makes starting easier regardless. I have always found this to be true. Even a proper 6 volt machine starts faster & easier with 12 volts. I have made the switch on more cars, trucks, tractors, Jeeps in my life than I can even remember. I've always found it to be a pretty damn good upgrade and have never lost a starter doing it. Another big plus is the use of the 12 volt GM alternator. If I picked up a pristine old 12 volt classic tomorrow I would do it again, in a heartbeat.
It sounds like the dual voltage switch that I bought from JC Whitney decades ago, except mine was 12 to 24 v for a diesel. Unfortunately, with 24 volts, the solenoid would engage with such force that it wrecked the flywheel. Probably not an issue with 6 to 12 volts, though.
I am an OLD guy (67)! My dad's '50 DeSoto ($250-used-1959) and my first car, '51 Dodge (VERY used-$15 1971) were both 6-volt cars with Chrysler "flathead 6s"! THESE NEVER FAILED TO START, NO MATTER HOW COLD THE WEATHER!
I know everything your saying is true. One of the reasons I always change over to 12 volts is because a 10si or 12si alternator is cheaper than a generator and voltage regulator.
Classic cars are supposed to be about authenticity, not cost.
Just discovered your channel through a 216 engine video and subscribed. You are so right with everything you said about original systems. I can't count how many times I've tried to convince friends not to change everything from original, usually with no success. (and all the 216's which have been replaced with 235's. It's an epidemic) It's the same thing with Model A Ford brakes. They are completely capable of doing what they're designed to do - but you won't see 1 car in 10 which has the system properly restored. Like your content. Thanks,
in high school back in 1974 i had an original 1953 Chevy 210. 6 volt. I kept that tuned up. it sat outside all of the time as we only had one garage and dad's 66 Chrysler Newport occupied, rightly so, that spot. We had a lot of -20F days and my chevy would always start. If it would grunt over a full turn it was running. The same goes for my 1940's Ferguson tractors, positive ground and all. Seems engines back then didn't need to crank at 500 rpm just to start like they do these days. I am in full agreement with Mr. Jayhawker, that if you keep them tuned up proper, they would go.
Hey, aren't you driving the '42 to work everyday? Thanks Kevin!
Well thanks very much for this video. I knew I had the wrong positive battery cable (box store). After watching your video I went straight to eBay. Had a cable made the correct length 1/0. Car starts so much better. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos.
awesome!
This is a true story about a cold start and a 6 volt system......in 1957, I was in Champagne Illinois visiting some friends...my friends father was a staff doctor at the University of Illinois..he had a brand new 1957 Chrysler, his wife had a 1957 Plymouth, both cars were In a closed garage, and my friend had a 1954 Cadillac, parked in the driveway. My car was a 1940 Chevrolet 2 door sedan with a 52 Chevrolet 235 engine, parked on the curb out in front of the house. It was early January and a cold front came through during the night and dropped the temperature below zero ...the doctor's Chrysler, his wife's Plymouth and my friends Cadillac wouldn't start...so his dad came to me and asked if he could use my Chevrolet to go to work, so when he got in it, it started right up(It was an Arizona car)...6 volt system. So when he came home that afternoon , my car had a full tank of gas...true story.
Back in the 60's and early 70's my '37 chevy was my daily work car. I have started it many times setting out side in the winter with temps down to -20 degrees F. or even lower on 6 volts. It just takes everything being in good condition as he stated in the video!!!
Totally agree! Good video.
Well said Jay, your vehicle just has to be up to par. I have an old 1956 John Deere 420, 6 volt, and It turns slow but that's all it needs. My 36 pickup is 6 volt and it turns slow but it starts fine. Like you say we're just used to hearing the fast turning of a 12 volt system. 6 volt works fine.
Back in '91 - '92 I daily drove a '47 Chevy Fleetmaster. Unfortunately I fell into the trap of 12v conversion. Looking back I shouldn't have and the sound of a 6v system cranking is so much more pleasing. I haven't, and won't convert my Model A & Model T to 12! Now to find another '47 Chevy......
look up the old dupont zerex commercial. at -20f below zero a rail road worker gets off work and starts up his 50 chevy pickup. I lived in minnesota and the big improvement is synthetic oil that flows good when cold. NEVER gun the engine when you start it as that can throw a rod. let it idle till the splash trays fill up. my first car was my grandfathers old 48 chevy. I had no garage but always got it started in the winter. in 1960 I did all the things you tell about plus used 10 weight oil and good points/plugs. the old chevys will start even if they crank slow. people got by with 6 volt systems in the old days and can do so today.
Milk shake straw analogy is excellent for teaching. Thanks!
Great video! Very well stated sir!
Hey There;
I Love the Channel, and the Great Videos. 👍 I'm restoring a '72 Chevy Nova, and am getting some Great Tips and Ideas, from the stuff you are doing.
I would also like to add, that in this day and age, I find it Absolutely Wonderful, that Some Folks are Willing to Share Their Faith, Unabashedly.
God Bless, and Keep Up the Great Work and Faith. ❤❤❤
The ONLY reason that I ever even considered showing my mug on TH-cam is that I felt God repeatedly urging me to do so. Sometimes I want to blitz it all because I don't like being public, and sometimes I feel like I'm not doing enough...Guess I'll just keep going. Thanks for watching.
My Nova, has a 250 CI 6 in it, so I was looking for a video, on rebuilding one. I found your video, on the 66 C20 292. I've been watching your videos, ever since.
I am a Christian, though not a very good one; I've been reading your messages, at the end of each video... Maybe God sent me to your videos, to remind me of what is really the only important thing, that I need to be thinking about...
Thanks Again; Allan ❤❤❤
@@boatnut64 Remember, "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." In other words nobody here on earth except Jesus has ever been perfect. You can go through the entire bible, cover to cover, and there is not one man that was perfect. But yet God called men such as Abraham righteous, and David a man after his heart. Why? Because they loved Him and had a relationship with Him. Don't get caught up in religion where it's about following church rules. Read the Word, talk to God, form a relationship with Him, and find a church that is not afraid to speak the truth.
Amen Brother ❤❤❤
God Bless
Amen to that. All stock 6V in my 1954 Holden (GM's former Australian subsidiary), and it is no problem if you understand resistance and perform basic periodic maintenance. Why wreck the originality of it?
Funny timing. I took my ‘41 Chevy out today. Garage was 45 degrees and it was under 20 degrees outside. Suspension made a lot of noise, everything else was fine
Great video
12 volt battery cables are not made to work with a 6 volt system use the correct ampere ones for your old system
I've never had a problem starting a 6 volt car even in sub zero weather. Convert a 6 volt car to 12 and you've destroyed it. How do you handle the multitude of accessories and other components all designed for 6 volts: Gauges, heater motor, starter, fuel sending unit, all lights, voltage regulator, horn relay, horns, wiper motors if it has electric as Mopars did, etc.?
Hey Jayhawker! Thanks for the video. I agree with everything you said & I've always been of that mindset. I have a friend who has 4 cars from the 50's & he has swapped the 6 volt for the 12 volt system on each one. He has suggested, of course that I switch over too but, to repeat a long ago advertisement: "I'd rather fight than switch." He also mentioned about using an 8 volt battery. Truth be told, I did not know an 8 volt battery existed for vehicles. Since then, I've heard of others using the 8 rather than the 6. Do you have any experience, know;edge, etc., about the 8 volt? Thanks again for sharing your knowledge, skills, & lessons learned from those who came before you -- much appreciated. I hope you keep doing what you're doing.
I've never used an 8 Volt, but I know it is often done. But in my opinion it is simply trying to accomplish the same thing as the 12 volt conversion accept it is more lazy because they think that you can run the 6 volt equip. without modifying anything. But in the end, you really need to adjust the voltage regulator at the least and your bulbs will likely burn out prematurely. Again I would just suggest keep things in tune and 6 volts will be fine.
One question what grade motor oil are you using.
I have a black 48 2 door Stylemaster
Who is your go to battery cable supplier? I've got some big fellas on mine but wouldn't mind even bigger.
51 Fathom Green Chevrolet Deluxe.
This particular project I ordered them with all the other parts I needed from Chevsofthe40s.com. Built to the correct size and length for the car model.
@@TheJayhawker Looks like my local shop, Brillman Company has the exact same product and for less of a shipping charge which Chevsofthe40s really nabs you on. Thank you so much!
@@ElliottCollect Thanks for the tip, I'll check them out. When it comes to chevsofthe40s, I always call to order. The clerk will ship USPS if you call and it's always much, much lower.
Ok my battery is good, my cables are 1awg, my generator has been checked out, voltage regulator contacts have been sanded smooth, ground cables installed, but my Battery Gauge indicator still goes to D when I crank it up. Any hints?
Did you polarize the generator when you hooked everything up? With a short piece of wire or jumper lead jump the battery terminal to the armature terminal on the voltage regulator. Do this for about a second or two. When you take the jumper off you should see a little spark. Do this with all wires in place, battery hooked up but ignition off.
What state does this guy live in?
Thought those were positive ground
Nope, Chevy was negative ground.
Your right thought it was a pontiac
All post war GM cars are negative ground, 6 or 12 volts.
Use light bulb under car at night not heat lamp it too hot reg 100w bulb or switch to 8 volt battery. All electrics will handle it
You can do both, but neither should be necessary unless you drive your classic in extremely cold temps.
George news??!
Nice1. Increase your stats > P-R-O-M-O-S-M !!!
if 6 volts was so bad, how did we win WW2???
Few remember where we came from all they know is what they see in front of them right now and what they can get out of it for themselves. People back then had a lot less education but a whole lot more knowledge. There are few mechanics today that would even understand how a simple machine like a '40s Chevy even works because they can't plug into it. Which is a big reason why I do what I do here. Thanks so much for watching.
@@TheJayhawker The big mistake most make on 6 volt cars is buying battery cables off the rack at a parts store. 6 volt systems draw double the amps to do the same work. Huge diameter cables as short in length as possible works great.
That and trying to use a little Group 1 battery in a V8 car.