Troubleshooting

F

First time restorer

Junior Member
Finally hooked up new battery after sitting idle for a few years. All new wires.
When I hit the starter button I get “kerplunk” kind of noise. Nothing else.

Still the original motor so I assume it’s still a positive ground. That’s what the owners manual says.

Any ideas?

Thanks
 
I am restoring my grandfather’s 39 Ford
Click to expand...

It's up to you to find out if things have been swapped and changed on your Ford.

Stock these were Positive Ground.
They require heavy, really heavy cables for the primary leads, battery to ground, battery to solenoid, solenoid to starter. You'll need size 1 to 00 gauge
Box parts stores do not have these heavy cables.(all that stuff is for Hondas) Your best bet is through a vintage Ford parts supplier.
Tractor Supply does carry heavier cables and you could make something work in a pinch...but I would get a quality repro.

6v is real sensitive to grounds.
6V needs heavy cables and heavier wire compared to 12v
6V needs very clean connections at all points
battery
solenoid
starter
ground
switch
start button
coil
distributor and so on....

You need to confirm that the engine is free. (not locked up)
A stuck starter Bendix can do this.

I would double check all cables, clean connections and make sure there's enough grounds.
 
The starter itself doesn't care about (+) or (-) ground or 6v or 12v for that matter. Start by turning the motor over by hand to be sure it is free. Then be sure you have the proper gauge starter and battery cables for 6v, normally can't purchase these at a corner auto parts store. Might need to check with a heavy truck shop/supply.
 
make sure the engine is free after that if it is free then have someone hit the starter with a hammer while you try to start, starter brush could be stuck-
 
I found 00 gauge cable available by the foot on Ebay. Ordered 6' for now and a hydraulic hand crimper off Amazon. We are replacing all cables on both '32's so decided to make our own. It's not Ford script but it is heavy duty marine grade oil resistant material. Very pleased. All that for about $85 and we have the crimper forever. The cable runs about $5.50 per foot. Ends are cheap and available at about any auto store.
 
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