1948 8N won's start-solenoid just clicks

Eriklane · Feb 11, 2011

Front dissy 8N. Bitter cold in MI and it did turn over, coughed a few times, then won't start. Solenoid makes a small clicking sound. Battery is solid. All connections are clean. Tried jumping with truck-no change.

I took the red power cable off and touched it directly to the starter post while holding down the starter button. It just sparks lightly. Solenoid out?

Bob · Feb 11, 2011

If you are putting power right to the terminal post on the starter (as you seem to be saying) and it doesn't run, it's the starter, (The solenoid isn't even in the circuit at that point.)

You might try rapping the starter near the "band" end a couple of times with a plastic-tipped hammer prior to before removing it for repairs. This MAY unstick a stuck brush or two.

My other thought is that you really DO have a bad battery, poor connection, or bad battery cable.

Eriklane · Feb 11, 2011

ok, will double check the battery voltage when I get home and try the gentle tapping. I did take it out and it does turn...I didn't check the brushes. Thanks.

Bob · Feb 11, 2011

Sounds like you have a voltmeter.

Also check voltage between the starter's terminal stud and chassis ground while attempting to crank the engine with the starter.

teddy52food · Feb 11, 2011

Bob; Are you the one from North Dakota? Are you near that big oil reserve? (brakken) What can you tell us about it? I hear there is more oil there than in the middle east!

Bob · Feb 11, 2011

Yes, I'm in ND, but EAST of the Bakken reserve. (Although they keep saying they can recover oil closer and closer to us with developing technology.)

Sounds like there's OIL from west of here all the way to the Tar Sands of Alberta, Canada.

GOOGLE "Bakken Reserve" or "Bakken Formation" and you'll have reading for quite a while!

John in Mich · Feb 11, 2011

How old are the battery cables? Are they big as your thumb? They may be shiny, bright and tight but if there is corrosion inside the insulation and broken strands, it is like trying to use a 12 volt car cable on a 6 volt system. btdt

Eriklane · Feb 11, 2011

12v conversion on this one-new positive wire last year. Neg is in good shape. I will remove it and check the brushes. I'd just put a new bendix on it about 3 wks ago, and hadn't used it much.

It did sound a bit loud when I tried starting it this time. Was turning over slow since it was so cold.

1948 8N won's start-solenoid just clicks

Eriklane

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Eriklane

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teddy52food

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Bob

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John in Mich

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Eriklane

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