I am doing a 6v to 12v conversion. I have a 6V starter and a 12v starter, both are Bosch. Both pinion gears have the same OD and both have 9 teeth. I was under the impression that the 6V & 12V pinion gears were different. Perhaps the 12V starter had it's pinion gear changed, I am not sure of it's history.
Is there a way of determining whether the pinion gear is for 6v or 12v? (I am aware that u can use a 6V starter with a 12V solenoid)
Thanks,
Alan
Starter Pinion Gear
- Alan Winer
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Re: Starter Pinion Gear
Is the pinion shaft diameter the same on both? I think a 12V VW starter has a smaller diameter shaft, while a Porsche one is the same diam as the 6V one.
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Re: Starter Pinion Gear
Yes, the shaft of the 12v starter is quite smaller diameter than the 6v version. Not sure if the VW or Porsche units are the same. On my ( former), factory 12v '63 coupe, I used a 6v starter with a 12v solenoid and it worked perfectly for over 25 years.
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Re: Starter Pinion Gear
So the pinion gear is the same size and the shaft diameter is different. I will check in the morning.
Thanks,
Alan
Thanks,
Alan
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Re: Starter Pinion Gear
Geoff it sounds like the factory shaft diameter is the same if you used a 6v in your 12v car. The small shaft one is VW.
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Re: Starter Pinion Gear
Both shafts measure the same diameter and both are compatible with the 356 6V bushing.
Thanks for the input.
Alan
Thanks for the input.
Alan
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Re: Starter Pinion Gear
Are you sure the 12 volt starter is actually a 12 volt starter or is it a 6 volt starter with a 12 volt solenoid installed. That is one way to convert a 6 volt starter to run in a 12 volt car. Look to see if the starter case says 12V stamped into it also. A true 12 volt starter will have 12V stamped into the starter case and the solenoid.
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- Albert Tiedemann
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Re: Starter Pinion Gear
"Geoff Fleming wrote:Yes, the shaft of the 12v starter is quite smaller diameter than the 6v version. Not sure if the VW or Porsche units are the same. On my ( former), factory 12v '63 coupe, I used a 6v starter with a 12v solenoid and it worked perfectly for over 25 years.
When I restored my Speedster in 1999, I transplanted the engine, transmission, brakes, steering box and voltage regulator from a 1964 C coupe that had a12 V factory installed electrical system. I was fortunate enough to find a NOS, Carrera 12V wiper motor for an A car which enabled me to fit the wipers without alteration. When I had the starter motor repaired, I informed them [the repair facility] that it was taken from a 12V Factory installed electrical system and that I had read much on the 356 Talk about fitting 6V starter motors into 12V system cars so I supplied them with a new 12V solenoid--a round one just like the one that was taken off. Now, I know that I gave them the starter motor taken off the car that I had the complete history thereof, but when queried about the need for a 12V armature, I was informed that the part number used by Bosch was the same for both voltages. This did not seem exactly correct to me, but I took it, and installed, it and it seemed to work fine, but not as well as I remembered when installed in the original car--certainly not the length of service that Geoff claims. It was soon after this repair that I decided that the starting function seemed to be a bit aggressive on engagement so I opted for the 12V starter motor offered perhaps originally for VW, but with the pinion installed for the Porsche 356. There were a lot of initial.problems with axial gear engagement with this combination which were finally worked out but not after it has ruined a flywheel. NLA replaced the starter unit with the design flaw. I should have had them replace the flywheel as well, but who wants to argue contributory negligence. My recollection is that the housing was stamped 6V which bears out Geoff's comment. I probably still have that unit lying around. I will see if I can find it.
Albert Tiedemann, C356C
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"The Hermit"