Classic/Antique Car Repair/1951 Dodge Wayfarer

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Expert: - 6/26/2011


Question
We are having problems with a 1951 Dodge Wayfarer. It cranks weak. We have had the starter worked on, but it hasn't helped. Someone told my dad that about a battery that would start up as a 12 volt, but then cut down to a 6 volt battery. Does that exist?  Would that help the problem? Do you have any soutions?

Answer
I have not seen one of those 12/6 volt batteries in a long time. However there is no reason that the engine should crank slow. I would start with the battery cables making sure that both ends are clean and bright. If the battery ends have been replaces by the repair terminals, I would replace them as they tend to corrode an cause high resistance. The make sure that there is a good heavy ground wire between the engine block and the frame, and then another one between the frame and the body. Remember that all of here parts are bolted together with rubber isolator to absorb vibration. Next have the battery load tested. If all is well and the starter is in good condition it should start well.

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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