Starter or Switch?

G

GAR64

Senior Member
Recently replaced a lever starter back to original foot button. Switch seems to be pushing and releasing as it should. The problem is that it only will intermittently turn the starter. Sometimes nothing. Sometimes a clunk. And sometimes turns over and starts fine. Does this sound like a switch issue or bendix/ starter? Also, although it not happend since I installed foot button, a couple times starter kept spinning (unengaged) after releasing switch ( old lever).
Greg
 
Did you dress the contacts? Some of the new starter switches are junk too. You need a good clean, well formed contact. Original is best, rebuild if necessary.
 
GAR64 - I had that same problem last month on my 28 Roadster. Replaced starter switch and that was not the problem. Took my starter out and the spring on it was gone. It was in dire need of rebuilding. Got it rebuilt and it now works great. I had it rebuilt locally so no shipping.
 
Guess I’ll start by removing and cleaning switch. May replace it. If that doesn’t help, I’ll pull the starter and get it rebuilt. Maybe the brushes are bad.
 
It might just be a poor connection between the battery and switch, or the battery and ground.

Make sure the connections on both ends of both battery cables are clean and tight.

Sometimes a poor electrical connection will allow you to turn on lights or blow the horn, but when you try to run the starter the poor connection just won't carry the extra load.
 
Back in the 1990's I had the same problem described in the original post. I bought a repro switch from one of the vendors and it didn't work but I salvaged some parts from it and repaired the original one and it still works.
 
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