Starter Stuck

J

jamesivta

Junior Member
I am somewhat new to working on model A's. I have a 1928 Deluxe Delivery AR version. It had been sitting for a couple of years. I drained the gas, checked other fluids and put in a new battery. I pushed the starter just to see if it would turn over. It turned over a few times and I let off the starter pedal (big mistake). Now it does nothing when I push in the starter pedal. I checked all the connections and pulled the starter, I bench tested it and it seems to turn fine. After I put it back in, I still get nothing. I am also able to turn the crank without a problem. I have read threads that say this is somewhat common, and to put it in 3rd gear and rock it back and forth. Unfortunately it is parked on an incline so rocking it back and forth is not really a good option. Are there any other suggestions that might work? Any advice is greatly appreciated.
 
Switch might be kaput.
Pull the starter out and bench test it. A bent shaft, starter ring gear walking off the flywheel,
Are other possible issues.
 
If it is working on the bench, then it most likely is the starter switch not making a good connection.
 
I just had that problem last month. I had the starter in and out a few times. I also removed the Bendix and checked that. Checked the starter switch also and that seemed OK. It ended up being a bad cable from the negative terminal of the battery to the starter switch. The connection inside the battery cable terminal was bad/intermittent. I'd start with removing the battery cables positive (ground) and negative and make sure the connections on the chassis (positive side) and the negative (starter) are good. Also, clean the battery connections and that end of the cables also.
 
The starter helix needs to be clean and rust free. I use a thin coat of ATF on it so it doesn't rust, but heavy oil or grease will keep it from spinning forward into engagement.

Also make sure the small spring and pin on the end of the drive moves freely and has a drop of oil on it.
 
Hello all, sorry for my delay, I had to take a short break from the car to work on my other job. Anyway, I checked all the cables, everything is good. Tested the battery with voltage meter, fully charged. I have bench tested the starter twice. All apears to be working. When I push in the starter, I hear a thunk, then nothing. Like it's trying to engage, but get's stuck.
 

Attachments

Something is not right. Measure the battery voltage while engaging the starter. It should go down to about 5 volts. If it stays near 6 volts there is something wrong with the cables or starter or switch. If it goes to 4 or below you have a bad battery or a short in the starter.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top