Foot starter suddenly won’t work??

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draggin49

Senior Member
Foot starter suddenly won’t work??

My 32 roadster has been fine ,never had issues with foot starter. Ran to the bank. Car fired up normally when I left . Get out the bank push the button and it won’t start, push the foot button and absolutely nothin happens.i was in the bank for only a minute , battery was not on had it in the off position.ideas?
 
Re: Foot starter suddenly won’t work??

Well I walked somewhere real quick, came back .Put my foot on starter button and wiggled it a a little as I pushed down and it fired up. So at least I’m no longer stranded haha.
 
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Re: Foot starter suddenly won’t work??

Check all connections are tight...failing that, you can uncrimp the switch and clean up the contacts.
 
Re: Foot starter suddenly won’t work??

Foot starters are just two copper plates, you push down they connect. A very simple switch. Open the switch by bending the few knocked over pressed nubs under-neigh the switch. (carefully not to break them). Clean it out and check the action.


Aftermarkets need the same inspection, but when they arrive from order.


But if your battery/ignition switch was off? it might be something easier. :)
 
Re: Foot starter suddenly won’t work??

Think Tinker was joking about the ignition switch, but just to be clear, the ignition switch is just that, on/off for the ignition. The starter switch is hot all the time as are the light circuits.
 
Re: Foot starter suddenly won’t work??

draggin49 said:
My 32 roadster has been fine ,never had issues with foot starter. Ran to the bank. Car fired up normally when I left . Get out the bank push the button and it won’t start, push the foot button and absolutely nothin happens.i was in the bank for only a minute , battery was not on had it in the off position.ideas?
Click to expand...


maybe not what you meant to write?
 
Re: Foot starter suddenly won’t work??

JSeery said:
Think Tinker was joking about the ignition switch, but just to be clear, the ignition switch is just that, on/off for the ignition. The starter switch is hot all the time as are the light circuits.
Click to expand...


I wasn't joking. But yes, you can turn over the vehicle without the ignition on. It won't fire though.


Good catch and point!


I'm Still confused by the thread name and problem rundown. Guess it's turn you battery switch on when starting? ha ha :)
 
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Re: Foot starter suddenly won’t work??

I just rebuilt the original foot starter for my 35..... it was pretty well corroded in there... i sanded and polished all surfaces before reassembling. wasn't a bad job to do.
 
Re: Foot starter suddenly won’t work??

When this happens to me, the first thing I do is clean up and tighten my battery terminals. This has been the problem many times, not only on my cars, but farm machinery also.
 
Re: Foot starter suddenly won’t work??

Charlie Stephens said:
The good news is that you can start them with the crank.

Charlie Stephens
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Has anybody ever actually started a V8 with the crank? I actually tried to start my '35 coupe with a crank when I was 18 and in pretty good shape, but never even got a pop before I wore out.
 
Re: Foot starter suddenly won’t work??

drolston said:
Has anybody ever actually started a V8 with the crank? I actually tried to start my '35 coupe with a crank when I was 18 and in pretty good shape, but never even got a pop before I wore out.
Click to expand...

I occasionally start my 1940 truck with the crank just for fun. I am surprised at how easily it starts - 1/4 turn and off it goes. My ignition, wires, and all electrical system is in top notch shape. I might add that I have not done it when it was not warmed up, though.
 
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