Shorting/Arcing At Starter Rod

Bob Grieb

Bob Grieb

Senior Member

When trying to start my engine I see occasional arcing between the starter motor rod and the firewall. I have the battery positive terminal to ground and the negative terminal to the starter.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Bob
 
I would (after disconnecting the battery) take the starter switch off the top of the starter after unscrewing the rod of course, and check it out real good. I't easy enough to do, and the switch itself is incredibly simple in function - basicall a copper strip is pushed against a copper post on the starter. There is a treated paper insulation - check that it is in the right place and not deteriated. Then clean up the post and the copper strip with some fine sandpaper to inusre a good contact without arcing. That should do it - good luck.
 
Also make sure the insulator between the push rod and copper strap is in good shape. Unfortunately that piece is not sold seperate.
 
Bob, It sounds like the engine is poorly grounded to the frame and is using the starter rod to complete the circuit from the starter to the battery. Try adding a ground from the battery to the transmission.
Rainmaker Ron
 
Often times restorers ,when painting the flywheel cover, will paint the mounting surface of the starter ? you might remove the starter and clean the mounting surface which will provide a good ground return.

Ron
 
Tom Wesenberg said:
Also make sure the insulator between the push rod and copper strap is in good shape. Unfortunately that piece is not sold seperate.
Click to expand...
We are in the process of making some of those up. I don't have a time on them.
MarkG
The Model a Ford Works
Portland OR 503-292-2212
 
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