What is this, 6V or 12V, (or 9V?) :)

[allenlook]

Can't quite tell what I've got here...

I have a Wal*Mart EverStart battery of indeterminate voltage due to weathered labels, I'm guessing it's 6V based on the size, and the model number looks like 20-5 but it's hard to tell.

I have a remanufactured starter that says REMANUFACTURED 6V STARTER INERTIA TYPE P/N 104221A2R MEGAVOLT.

And I have an alternator of indeterminate origin goober bracketed onto the left front side.

Any ideas what I've got here? Is there such a thing as a 6V alternator? That predates me by a few years if there is...

[JBall8019]

allen
that looks klike a 12v battery and 12 volt delco alternator

[Bigdog]

I would agree - 12 volt.

[allenlook]

Does that explain why my 6V starter sounds like an OOOOGAH horn?

[Bigdog]

it sure helps explain it.

[allenlook]

And so, my only option is probably to replace it with a 12V starter?

[Bigdog]

not necessarily. You can have your existing starter checked. Your description sounds like the bendix is not kicking all the way out or is slow coming out so that the starter is turning before it engages the flywheel thus creating your "ah-oo-gah" sound.
I would take the starter in for a rebuild. The bendix may be the only thing needing repair. You have the option to have it re-wound with 12 volt windings or with original 6 volt windings if that is necessary. I'd guess that bendix and bearings will take care of it.

[WKPoor]

Allen, one way to tell the voltage of a batt is to count the number of cells or holes in the case. Since lead acid batts are approx. 2 volts per cell the math is easy. I'll bet there are 3 holes under each cover.

[George Willer]

Does that explain why my 6V starter sounds like an OOOOGAH horn?

Allen,

That sound is a separate issue, indicating another problem. What is often overlooked is that the starter is already overloaded at 6 volts... or any voltage it can't support continuously. A starter is a starter, starter is a starter, starter is a starter.

At 12 volts the engine starts more quickly, so the important thing... heat buildup is not much, if any greater. The only problem I see with a 6 volt starter using 12 volts is the greater shock to the nose from the harder slam of the Bendix from 12 volts.

[allenlook]

I'll peel that starter off first chance I get and check it out...

Does it engage the flywheel directly, or does it engage a starter ring gear that's replaceable?

[beaconlight]

Ring gears are replaceable but you really don't want to open that can of worms if you don't have to.

Bill

[Mac from NS]

Iknow a fello in halifax that was told he could get a 6v alt with pos ground.
So he went to the auto place to get it and the guy behind the counter
said noway but just then a worker came from out back said it would be ready
the next day.It has been working fine on his cub so he saids.

[WKPoor]

Mac- I know someone who has a Farmall A with a 6V pos ground Alternator. Maybe they were original on some models.

[Bigdog]

Ask any of the old car guys. 6 volt pos ground alternators are available
but not cheap.

[Mac from NS]

This one I think was made from an other maybe a 12v alt