Proper next step?

RedDawg · Jun 23, 2018

1955 Ford 640 converted to 12 volt many years ago. It's been starting and running fine but the battery showed signs of getting weak - laboring to turn the motor over even after being connected to a float charger. Two weeks ago I was topping clover with it and it died on me. At first I could turn it over just a revolution or two when I tried to restart it. Then it wouldn't turn over even when getting a jump from the truck. The solenoid will click but nothing else happens.

I took the battery in and it was confirmed that it had a bad cell. I put a new battery in it and charged it up. I still only get a solenoid click when I try to start it. I've checked connections and such without finding anything wrong.

What's my next step? I don't want to just throw money at it by buying parts. What's the right way to diagnose this? Thanks.

RedDawg

marcusmerritt · Jun 23, 2018

I've had the same thing happen on my F150 and it turned out that one time the battery cable had corroded in the jacket so the connection was poor. Another time the grounding wire connection had worked loose. Both simple fixes. Hope yours is.

showcrop · Jun 23, 2018

I agree with Marcus. Cable connections or connectors.

grandpa Love · Jun 23, 2018

Mine was clicking, tapped starter
with a hammer while turning key,
fired right up.

Skemp · Jun 23, 2018

This could very well be the problem.The starter drive is probably hung in the flywheel due to that low battery the last time you tried it.If tapping on the starter don't work try putting it in high gear making sure ignition is for sure off and rock the tractor with the rear wheel by hand.If it pops after a time or 2 you fixed it .May have to loosen starter if that don't work.

RedDawg · Jun 23, 2018

Thanks everyone. I'll be checking the grounds and other connections again.

The starter being stuck is an interesting idea. I'll try the 'tapping' trick to begin with and then move on to trying to rock it like Skemp suggested. Really appreciate the suggestions. I'll write back with what I find.

RedDawg

corvetttteguy · Jun 24, 2018

I had a starter froze on my 641. Since it was left
in an open field for 35+ years with no hood I
figured it was locked up. I removed it and
placed it in the top strainer oil changer, and
sprayed Pblast on the end for about 3 weeks.

Now it turns over and the spinning gear works
like a charm. From goner to good.

JD Seller · Jun 24, 2018

I will second or third the starter being stuck into the flywheel. This is common when the battery is weak and can not turn the motor over. Compression holds the starter gear into the flywheel teeth. You can rock the tractor with the tires like some suggested or often you can turn the motor a little bit backwards with the cooling fan. Socket on the crankshaft pulley works too.

RedDawg · Jun 26, 2018

Worked on the 640 yesterday. Remember, it has a brand new battery in it. I tried to start it before I tried anything else. Amazingly it turned about a quarter revolution. I tried it again but it only clicked. So I tried the tapping trick with the hammer. I captured the video after a few taps (Youtube link). Notice the sound and the smoke.

https://youtu.be/Ut6KTcf-jUI

It would only attempt to turn over if I tapped it a few times - either just before or during the attempt.

I think I'm pulling a starter....

RedDawg

Proper next step?

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grandpa Love

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Skemp

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