Starting up my 35 flathead

[jvanhoover]

Hello, I am very close to starting up my 1 1/2 ton 1935 staterack for the first time. It has been a project for my 12 yr old son and I this summer. It has been in a barn for 40 years. We rebuild the carb, new spark plug wires and plugs, fuel pump, rebuilt generator, radiator is good, and new battery. The starter turned over and now is turning harder, and last night it just spun(I've kept everything original, 6 volt). Any suggestions or ideas on the whole idea? thanks, what an exciting time.

 

[don-wi]

I would take the gas tank out and clean it good. I would also take the plugs out and put marvel mystery oil in the cylinders and turn it over. I would wait a few days and oil them again.

 

[G.M.]

jvan It sounds like the battery is getting low and, or small battery cables, loose or diirty grounds or terminal connections. On 6 volts everything has to be clean and tight with large cables, 2/0 my preferance. The starter will spin pretty fast. When these engines are tuned right they don't have to SPIN, they start as soon as the first piston comes up to the top. They can be hand cranked or kick started. But if the battery is low or a voltage drop occures this pulls the voltage to the coil down from the starter load when the starter is engauged. You need at least 3.5 volts to the coil when the points are closed or it won't start. G.M.