53 ford starter draw?

[buds56]

My 53 V8 has a new wiring harness the large cables, a new ground strap from engine to frame,everything is clean.

The car runs great, but as a project in the bodywork stage I really haven't driven it any where.

This is my first 6 volt car, installed a new battery when I put the engine in this spring.

It starts fine the first time, runs great, charges.

But when I go to start it the second time a couple hours later it won't hardly turn over.

My question is how much voltage drop should there be when cranking?

If I load test the battery what voltage should it hold?

Thanks, Bud

 

[V8COOPMAN]

Can't answer your question specifically, BUT...make sure that you have a LARGE ground strap (cable preferably) going from the BATT post to a BARE METAL (NOT painted) bolt somewhere on the cast-iron engine assembly. DD

 

[Richard in Florida]

But when I go to start it the second time a couple hours later it won't hardly turn over. My question is how much voltage drop should there be when cranking? If I load test the battery what voltage should it hold?

I don't know either, but here's the guy who can really help you.

Vern Davidson
Vern's Ford Flathead Shop
3478-1/2 F Rd
Clifton, Colorado 81520
970-434-898

flatheadvern@fordflathead.com

Vern was an enormous help to me regarding starters.

 

[Chris Nelson]

V8COOPMAN is right about the cable. The only thing I could add is that it is wise to attach the ground cable as closs to the starter as is possible. Clean attachment and large battery cables are a must for 6 Volt. The 12 Volt cables that you see on your daily driver are too small for a 6 volt system.