Stuck starter was the problem

Roger/Sacramento

Roger/Sacramento

Senior Member
I was attempting to run some gas up to the dry carbs (with the help of squirting gas into the carbs) and after a couple of short run ups the ignition just did a click and no fire up. I thought maybe the made up power cables did not have a good soldering job. I removed them and resoldered the fittings. A wasted effort. Maybe the battery was bad. Changed to a known good battery and the same result. I then attempted to turn the motor over with a socket at the crank and it wouldn't budge. Must be a stuck starter. Sure enough that was it. Happened once before and it is a tough job to remove. Got it done and reinstalled and it works again. I could not see any evidence of a problem with the flywheel ring or the gear on the starter although it was a little sloppy. Better order a new gear and replace. Next issue will be to take out the T-5 transmission (not going to be fun) and have it worked over. It makes a lot of noise on the freeway. Also it is difficult to get in gear at a stop sign. Have had to turn the motor off and put in gear and start up again. So much fun these hot rods.:(
 
A question and a comment:
first question is could you have put the truck into gear ( while off ) and rocked/pushed the vehicle back and fourth to free up the starter?
I have a t5 on the back of my flathead and I once already had to increase throw on the peddle so the trans slides into gear. I am in need of another adjustment now. Have you tried that?
 
The car is up on stands right now. Will try that if it happens on the ground. With the dual exhaust it is almost impossible to access the clutch linkage. The clutch pedal actually hits the exhaust extention tube when the clutch is almost at the bottom. I will have the extention tube redone by a muffler shop and while it is out I will see about adjusting the linkage and making clearance for the full depth of the clutch.....thanks for the comments.
 
Rodger, check starter shaft for straightness, it doesnt need to be bent much to lock the bendix to the flywheel, are you working on a forty ford?
 
I have an 8ba in a '41 pickup. I have since found out that there is a thin wire spring on the starter shaft that I am missing. A knowledgeable shop here in town will make the starter right tomorrow. :) I find out always with these projects that I don't know what I don't know. If I am lucky there will be no alzheimers going on until I finish doing this stuff. What was I talking about just now?
 
i got a front seat out of a 40 ford coupe from a man named Rodger in sacremento 3 or 4 yrs ago, he lived on the south side and bought his car back east, i thought maybe you were that guy
 
That would be me. I put bucket seats in the '40 Coupe and eventually sold it. Sorry I did now.
 

Attachments

  • 40 Coupe.jpg
    40 Coupe.jpg
    72.7 KB · Views: 16
It is nice to finally know what I didn't know. The gear on the shaft was separated into two pieces and should be one. A new starter is $180 plus shipping. Sammys Electric said rebuild for $120. Went with him and was one day service. He redid everything inside and out like new. Will fire it up today. Great night at Auburn Street Show last night. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top