37 ford starter/solenoid problem

You might want to make sure it has the little bracket that supports the front end of the starter (it bolts to one of the oil pan bolts. I think they started using it in '34 or '37 (I'm an 8BA guy myself), but it's probably a good idea to have it.
 
Maybe it was just a stuck bendix. Drive it, have fun. If it sticks again you know what to do.
 
When my wife would push the starter button, the only sound would be a click from the solenoid. The starter made no sound? I will take it apart and check it out. Thanks guys for the help! I love this forum! I have been here many times reading up on issues I have had, and always learn something. Thanks again!!
 
To be respectful and frank, you are reporting two different issues.


Your starter was hung up and low voltage to the starter. Different issues. Suggestions offered to check out.



These fords are so simple they are complicated. Best of Luck!!!
 
So you think I have 2 separate problems? Low voltage to the starter and something perhaps broken in the starter? I assume I should have 6 volts at the starter, so I guess I will start by finding out why I don't. Thanks!
 
you might check the starter voltage again since it is not locked up. It might be acceptable now.
 
Have you got the little bracket between the top starter bolt and a sump bolt.Absence of same can cause the starter to get slightly out of line and jam. Cheers
 
Another reason the starter can jam is if it´s worn to the point the armature is hitting the windings in the case.
Taking it apart and checking for wear might be a good idea.
If the solenoid send current down to the starter and you get a 4.5v reading i would suspect 2 things...either points of solenoid worn dropping the voltage or starter stuck drawing a large amount of current that way dropping the voltage.
 
Update: Now that the starter turns over, it has 5.6 volts at the starter. I then cleaned all contacts and checked again, still 5.6 volts. It starts right up as soon as I hit the starter button. It does have the front bracket that stabilizes the front of the starter. I will take the starter off, check it out and clean between the starter and the engine. Perhaps cleaning it will boost my voltage. To be continued, I guess.
 
Beside the 2 bolts holding the starter, there's also a small bracket that attaches the
rear of the starter to the oil pan. This will help some as far at the starter locking up, but
doesn't solve the problem totally....The locked starter is a common Flathead problem.
 
Paranyos said:
Update: Now that the starter turns over, it has 5.6 volts at the starter. I then cleaned all contacts and checked again, still 5.6 volts. It starts right up as soon as I hit the starter button. It does have the front bracket that stabilizes the front of the starter. I will take the starter off, check it out and clean between the starter and the engine. Perhaps cleaning it will boost my voltage. To be continued, I guess.
Click to expand...


May but certainly can't hurt. Like a engine ground will help the starter and coil also.


How do you eat a train? one bite at a time.
 
If it turns out that you can't get a good new solenoid these days I might have at least a couple old ones. Just don't "think" it's that.


Pulling a starter and inspecting it is good practice.
 
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