Attached are a couple photos or the starter I installed on my 1910 Buick model 17. It turns over effortlessly & uses very little battery.
I don't have an on board charging system. I just attach a charger occasionally. I have a DU4 Bosch magneto with an impulse. it starts very nicely.
I use the original Remy switch on the coil box which I gutted & re-wired.
Mark
Nice starter installation on your Buick. I bet that little gear reduction stater can throw the torque to your Buick. What ring gear did you find that you could machine the flywheel and fit? You are right, running a DU4, you do not have a serious need for a charging system. The nice thing about the gear reduction units, like you have, is they are small and many times our antique automobiles were not engineered with space available for installation of a starter. That space issue is still something I am dealing with on my project. What is the CID on a Model 17 Buick. That is the big Buick isn't it? Thanks for sharing the starter pictures.
Al
Hi Al,
I had Tom Holthaus at Quality Machine in the Bay area do the flywheel ring gear so I don't know what gear he used.
You're right, the Model 17 is the large motor at 318 cid. As far as space is concerned, I lucked out with just enough on the left frame rail.
I made the mounting bracket from some 3/4" bar stock I had laying around. Very stout.
Mark
Hello Mark,
Did you also install hydraulic brakes? It looks like a master cylinder nestled in under the starter. Nice and tidy!. Could you share your engineering process that you used to fit the starter. I am not thinking that I want to go the ring gear route by may consider it. Where did you source your starter? Do you know what the OD of your flywheel is? I would like to compare with my engine. Is your car a roadster or touring? It seems one model is the 16 and the other is the 17?
Al
Hi Al,
I did install a hydraulic disc brake on the drive line.
It has a an Xterra disc, GM pickup caliper & 66 mustang master.
I works really well.
Again, Tom Holthaus supplied my starter.
If my notes are correct it came from Pro-Start & it's a reverse direction chev starter.
I had to buy a special pitch gear for it 12/14 -25.
My flywheel measures about 18 1/2".
Tom is a great source for this kind of parts & machine work.
Quality Machine Shop
4089-567-9490
You're right, the Model 16 is a roadster or demi-tonneau & the model 17 is a full size touring.
Hello Mark,
I assume that the car in restoration is your Model 17 Buick touring car? You are doing a nice job on it. Did you or someone else do your body work? The red Model 16 Buick is more similar to my Locomobile. How do you activate the disc brake you installed on your drive-line? Is it only an emergency item or do you consider it a running brake? I have not got to that point with my restoration to consider some form of brake betterment. Maybe you could post a picture on this string or start another Restoration Tip on brakes and post a few pictures there.
Al
Phil, I have not yet received my March-April Gazette yet to read the article you refer to above. I am anxious to see what has been completed successfully as to stater installation. I will have the Dodge Bros. starter/generator in my hot hands towards the end of next week, then I can get real serious with my installation.
Al
Hi Al,
Yes, the car in restoration is mine.
It's been a long process.
The body & sheet metal is as I bought it.
The disc brake on the drive line is the service brake activated by the brake pedal. I have the drum brakes on the rear wheels for the hand brake.
I will start a new thread on the disc brake install.
Hello Mark, Did your Buick originate in Colorado? You are getting to the fun stage of your restoration.
Al
Well, I did learn from Howard Hodson that a belt-operated starter motor only will not work, as it cannot withstand the speed of rotation. A motor-generator, however, is designed to turn quickly (above 12,000 rpm).
Phi
Hi Al,
I bought my Buick in the Bay area so it is not a Colorado car. You're right I'm to the fun part of the restoration. I'm planning on touring it this season & then tearing it back apart for paint. Can you post some pictures of your Locomobile? That has always been my favorite marques. How far along are you with your restoration?
Mark
Hello Phil, I have also determined that to run a starter only, you should go to the trouble of installing a ring gear. That lets the starter dis-engage from the flywheel after starting. I will have the Dodge Bros. starter/generator home, shortly, so I can work on my second iteration of the belt drive starter/generator installation. I certainly hope that my Loco. engine does not overwhelm the Dodge Bros. unit.
Al
Hello Mark, When you engage the starter, in order to start your Buick, does the gear reduction aspect of your starter turn your engine slower than a starter in a modern car or about the same? Where did you mount your starter solenoid? I started with a real labor of love on my Locomobile. I did not set any goal for completion as I had to have many castings built. I am just now getting to the fun part of my restoration. I am very near a first start on my engine after rebuild. Body is built, lights are just about ready to go, hood replicated, wheels done. I am just entering the "fun" stage after many years. I will post a picture of the car when new as shown at the Locomobile factory near Bridgeport, Conn.
Al
Mark, I answered my own question, the starter you used is designed like a GM stater and has the solenoid mounted with the starter. Nice clean unit and small!
Al
Hi Al,
The starter cranks the big 4 cylinder like a modern car.
After some carb & magneto issues I have corrected, it starts very easily.
It doesn't have a hand crank right now but when I tear it down for paint I will be able to install one.
I would really rather hand crank whenever possible.
It sounds like your Locomobile is coming along nicely.
I still would love to see some progress photos.
It is such a beautiful car.
Mark