Thread: 47 Ford starter problem!!

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When the towing company brought my 47 Ford from the shop the battery was low and he jumped it from his truck. Just fried the battery cable to the solenoid. I replaced cable and solenoid, charged battery and nothing happens. I get power to gauges and headlights work, but starter won't even click any ideas? This is a six volt system, I bought a solenoid from Mac's auto it has a push button on the bottom and the one on the car did not have this am I using the wrong solenoid? Would really appreciate some help on this.

you need 1 for a 6v system. it dosn't have the voltage it needs. the towing company should have known better, file a complaint. this is there bill. the correct solonoid might be costly.

The local Auto Zone lists one for $13.99 and current handling capability is the determining factor, not voltage.

This may be a stupid question, but did you see if everything is connected? Also check the starter to make sure it is not hung up. When my starter is hung up, it acts just as you described.

I think you have other problems. When he ran that 12 volts through there he might have burned up more than just what you thought. I remember those solenoids with the button on the bottom. They were used to turn over the engine from the engine compartment, weren't they?


I would call the towing company and tell they they screwed up, like Matt167 said.


Don


Also, aren't these Fords positive ground???

Thanks for the input guys, the solenoid I bought is a 6 volt for that car. yes the push button was for starting the car while under the hood (kinda like using a screwdriver to short the post on newer model Fords. Everything is connected. How did you loosen up the starter? I know I should pursue the towing company but I really want to get this car running and not spend a ton of time hassling with a tow company. The idea that he may have burned up more than the solenoid and cable is what is nagging me. The electrical system is very basic and I still have lights and gauges, it's just when you turn the key and push the starter button nothing happens.

The starter is stuck on the ring gear.A common happening with flathead starters. The engine will be locked up, too. Put the trans in high gear and rock the car back and forth by hand, may take a couple of buddies helping. You'll hear the engine start to turn, or just have the hood open and watch. Be sure the key is OFF! Y-blocks and 223 sixes will do the same thing. If you have one with an automatic, it usually requires starter removal. Sometimes a socket wrench on the crank hub bolt will turn it enough.

I'm no ford expert but I beleave if you pull the starter out you'll see the drive on the end it should be extended fulll out if it is in it will be jamed to the ring gear and won't turn which would explain the burnt cable. My 8N tractor did this when I had a low battery it just got stuck I removed it freed it up and put it back in. By the way you may have burnt up the solinoid but I jump my 6V 8N all the time with 12V and in 10 years it hasn't hurt it. Lucky I guess??
One other thing you could try is rocking it while in gear BUT with the ignition OFF.

One good thing, these early Ford systems are pretty basic. Ok, here is what the solenoid will look like electrically. There is the fat cable from battery to solenoid, another fat one from solenoid to starter, and at least one skinny wire coming into the small posts on the front of the solenoid. The way a solenoid works is it will not pass the main current until a voltage is applied to the small terminal.

So, if you have one of the small inexpensive test lights, first of all make sure you have 6 volts coming from the battery to the solenoid ( you may have to make a test light, as I think the ones you buy are all 12 volt) then turn your key to start or push the starter button and see if you have 6 volts coming to the small post on the solenoid. If you don't it will be a matter of backtracking until you find where the current is lost.

Don

Thanks again guy's, now at least I got some things to check out instead of sitting around wondering which way to go. I mean it's electricity and it only needs to go from point A to B.

many years ago I had a tired 56 Ford with the old 292ci V8 which had the 12volt system (1st year for the 12volt) I installed a 55 Ford starter (last year for the 6volt system) when you turned the key that engine cranked real fast and started quick. I never had any problem burning it up, I suppose if it would have had to crank for a long time it might have been a different story.

Originally Posted by rjensen43

many years ago I had a tired 56 Ford with the old 292ci V8 which had the 12volt system (1st year for the 12volt) I installed a 55 Ford starter (last year for the 6volt system) when you turned the key that engine cranked real fast and started quick. I never had any problem burning it up, I suppose if it would have had to crank for a long time it might have been a different story.

starters are good to 125% of there rated capacaty, would have taken a long time to burn out due to voltage