Thread: 52 Ford with 239 Flathead...Need some big help...

Tweet

So, I bought a 6V battery for my pickup and got it put in and when I turn the key the fans turn on but nothing else happens when I try to crank it. I did not expect it to start after sitting for almost 20 years. I was hoping it would at least try to crank but it did not. I turned the crank by hand and it does spin so its not locked up. Anyone point me in the direction to atleast start? This is my first vehicle older than a 96, so everything is completely new(thats the understatement of the century) I appreciate any and all information somebody can give me. Thanks guys!!!!

Joshua

I cant change the title, but it is not a flathead it is a mid 60's 289.

I posted this before I went on reading the rest of the forum; so, I'll leave it here, but the others have given you a much better response on the other places you posted the same question. You can take this one for the two cents it is worth. You mighnt want to think about consolidating your queries into one post; asking the same question in several places can get confusing.

Well, a little "shade tree" explanation, here. First, I'd just turn off the fan; added distraction to my way of thinking. Take a look at the starter solenoid: It is a small can shaped device with two large and two small terminal posts on it, mounted on either the firewall or the inner fender. A heavy cable runs from the battery to one of the large posts, and another heavy cable runs from the other large post to the starter. There will also be two smaller wires fastened to the two small posts; one of them will run to the distributor, and the other will run into the cab to the starter switch. First, check that the wires are reasonably sound, and then using a plastic screwdriver handle or a stick, give the solenoid can a few whacks - not so as to break anything, but enough to jar it a bit; it may be stuck inside, and needing to be jarred loose. Give it another try. No joy? Process of elimination: you can start replacing stuff starting with the solenoid, or do some troubleshooting with a multimeter and work it out that way. If the solenoid clicks when you turn the key to start or press the starter button, then the starter itself may be stuck. Just keep on working the wrinkles out like that.

the 6 volt battery won't work the 12 volt solenoid

Originally Posted by jerry clayton

the 6 volt battery won't work the 12 volt solenoid

and you dont have a flat head engine ..

Joshua,
Not sure what you're trying to do if you've decided to replace the power train, but before you do much with the flathead I would drain the pan and see what comes out (if you didn't already do that). If it is full of water you need to consider pulling the pan and seeing what you've got, but at the very least you need new oil in the crankcase, and I would also squirt a couple of shots of motor oil in each cylinder for some lubrication on the rings if you're going to be cranking it to see if it fires. Like Rrumbler says, do a bit of trouble shooting on the starter, or consider pulling it and taking it to your local parts house for a condition check on their test rig. Are you just checking out the flathead, or trying to get it running?

So tonight I took some advice from the forum and got the truck to start. It was running only for a couple seconds before the oil tube from the oil pressure gauge blew and shot oil all over my father in law. I am going to cap it tomorrow and get it all the fluids drained and refilled with fresh. I appreciate all the help guys!

Originally Posted by Bumps52Ford

I am going to cap it tomorrow and get it all the fluids drained and refilled with fresh. I appreciate all the help guys!

So you cranked an engine that had been sitting for thirty plus years without draining the old oil? Not my business, and just curious, why would you do that?

Originally Posted by rspears

So you cranked an engine that had been sitting for thirty plus years without draining the old oil? Not my business, and just curious, why would you do that?

I just wanted to see if it would crank over, I didnt know if rats had eaten wires that would not allow it to get power. I had no intention on actually trying to get it to run, more to see if it had power to all necessary parts.