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Classic/Antique Car Repair/Model A starter will not turn over, it just clicks

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Expert: - 2/28/2010


Question
I have checked the ground and I have tried two starters that both have been rebuilt.   I fully charged the 6 volt batt... the only thing I can think of is maybe I have the wrong cables... I have a modern battery ground wire on the starter post and the positive wire is grounded to the frame.  Can you give me some help to get this thing going?  Thanks...

Answer
If you have a 12 cable it will lower the voltage at the starter.  It has to carry a lot of current and that may be the problem.  Take some jumpers and attach it to both ends of the cable and see if that helps.
You say it clicks.  Thats the old expression we used when cars used relays.  A bad relay would click.  I assume you are not using a relay.

The other thing that may be happening is the starter motor is running, but your bendix spring is broken.  Make sure the starter is not humming when you put 6 volts to it.  
Good luck.
jack

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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jack bahm

Expertise

Only repair type questions on the 1928-1931 Ford Model A.

Experience

Owned one when I was 15 yrs old, and now have owned 5. Still own and play with 2 of them.

Organizations
Oakleaf region of MARC. Model A Restorers Club. I have put several Model A videos on the Oakleaf site that may be of help. Things like how to start the A, how to Time it, how to troubleshoot it.. Go to oakleafregion.org and you will find them. jack

Publications
"More than you need to know about cars." Just a small book for Car Nuts. Blurb.com "Model A Ford Tips and Hints" Blurb.com 2010 Many Model A movies that can be found on youtube.com/jackbahm

Education/Credentials
BSME LSU, 1958, Masters of automotive engineering from the Chrysler Institute of engineering, 1960, MBA Mich State, 1976. Worked as an engineer at Chrysler from 1958 to the end of 1991.

Awards and Honors
Two patents while working in auto industry.

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