Starter is not generating enough torque

agroubik

agroubik

New member
Hello all,

I was attempting to start up my Model “A” earlier this afternoon but the starter would not turn. I charged my battery overnight and the charger said the battery was fully charged.

So, I removed the starter and bench tested it by attaching some jumper cables to my battery, grounding the negative end on the starter and touching the positive end to the node of the starter (I removed the starter switch). The starter turned, but at a very low and inconsistent RPM. I had bench tested the motor before, about a year ago, and it turned at a much higher RPM and it was a consistent RPM, so I’m almost certain the issue lies with the starter itself.

Does anyone have any thoughts on what the issue may be?
 
Or your battery shows good after a charge but Not! Need to load test it! take to auto parts they will load test it !
 
I agree with Gary regarding the battery.

Make sure the cables are heavy enough [ #0 or #1 ] and the connections are clean and tight. Especially the ground at the frame.

Also I prefer to test the starter on the vehicle. A ' hold on to ' ammeter is fairly cheap and easy to use. Anything over 450-500 amps is getting to be too much draw. Around 400 amps is better.
 
Last edited:
The Model A Ford has a positive ground. Negative cable goes to starter switch. 6volt starters need heavy battery cables.

Good Luck
Dan
 
We just finished helping a fellow club member with a similar problem. He purchased a new battery a week ago and the car would not turn over. I checked the starter terminal and would register over 6 volts. I tought it was the starter and placed another one I had and still the engine would not turn over. My fellow club member took the new battery back to the auto part store and the battery was DEFECTIVE! He got a new battery and the car started immediately. Moral of the story: Just because its a new battery it could be defective, Besides checking the voltage, they need to check it with a load.
 
Years ago when I got my first Model A I had a starter problem. Eventually my wife would not help by pushing the car down my slightly downhill street. I took the starter to a repair shop and the problem was a bent starter shaft. They were able to straighten it out. It is now my spare.


Vic
 
If you have doubts about the battery, you can just use jumper cables to your modern car 12 volt battery. I will not hurt the starter for a short duration. Hold the starter with your foot. The polarity does not matter, the starter will work with either polarity.
 
I just went through similar problem. Checked battery and cables like you said. Bench tested etc. Disassembled for a look inside and found my issue. Mine ended up being the rear armature bushing was pulverized. I replaced the bushing and then drilled a tiny hole in the back plate so I can oil it every now and again.
 

Attachments

  • 09CEFD6A-A59E-4246-BB38-B7D2DA5656C4.jpg
    09CEFD6A-A59E-4246-BB38-B7D2DA5656C4.jpg
    59.6 KB · Views: 40
Last edited:
I venture you have a vehicle with a 12 volt battery! Don't do this for very long but just touch the terminals to the starter and see if it runs! If so you may have a bad 6 v battery. otherwise if it does not run any better, could be brushes or ??
 
Argoubik, What was the resolution of your starter problem? Or are you still working on it? We all learn from these discussions, even us old farts who have been around Model A's since they were new.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top