I'll come back around and give y'all the story soon but at the moment.. I'm trying to start this 41 Buick. It's all stock and was running a couple years ago- no known problems. It has a pair of Optima batteries, I put them on my 6 v charger last night. When I set the key to "on" and press the accelerator nothing happens. No click. First thought is dirty contacts somewhere. Can I jump the starter solenoid like I've done on some slightly more modern cars? Or is there a better path for me to try? Thanks fellas- Greg Posted using my chicken and 2 cigs
Hard to tell in that picture but does it have a small wire going to the starter also if so I would say that yes you could buy jumping voltage to the small wire.
Why risk it? Do it right. Find the problem, fix it, then start the car. If it's been sitting for long with the batteries hooked up, look for dirty positive connections first - then look for bad grounds. I know this sounds kinda basic and old-fashioned, but I'm just that kinda guy.
I decided to pull the batteries and have them tested. I don't see any corrosion on any of the wires so I figured that'd be a good step. I wouldn't rush it but it's sitting out and they're calling for rain on Tuesday. Ill tarp it if need be but thought driving it home to my garage sounded better. She's a big muther to put on my trailer- and it was running good either 2 or 3 summers ago then parked. I'll keep you updated. Thanks again - Posted using my chicken and 2 cigs
As stated above, you can jump across the starter solenoid in a pinch. It that car still has the accelerator pedal start feature, the switch itself in on the carb in a housing with a couple of wires attached. There is a contact set inside and a 'ball' as I recall.....might check that you have current coming into it with one of the wires when the key is 'on'.....if so, short across the two wires and see if the starter engages, that will be a quick test for that circuit. If that does work, then I'd say the switch is dirty inside. Comes apart for cleaning. I have two older Buicks that were originally so equipped, but had that carb switch replaced or by p***ed with a push ****on on the underside of the dash. Might look for that too. Good luck with it...that is (to me) a VERY DESIRABLE car!
Yes to the switch on the lower side of the carb . Sometimes in the past on mine - I had to tap on the switch with a screwdriver . Goodluck on testing the wires and getting her running . Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Hnstray- I was hoping you'd see my post. In my searches about this car you always seemed to have added some good info. Thank you all for answering. Looks like I jumped the gun and started looking for problems- I had the batteries tested and neither is capable of holding a charge. Now I'm waiting for a couple more batteries on order but I may well pull one from one of my other cars and see if it'll go. Oddball looong battery in that to match the looong engine. How did I wind up having so many cars with 6 volt batteries? answer: who cares how- I love them.
I LOVE the original setup with the switch on the carburetor that is actuated by the throttle linkage. What a handy feature when trying to start a car that hasn't run in a while. Squirt some gas in the carb and pull on the linkage. Of course the key has to be on. If you need to work beneath the hood, just get a friend to help and take it right off the car! How can you beat that? I hope new batteries solve your problem and you can enjoy your wonderful car soon.
You can dismantle some of those carburetor switches and check for corrosion on the contacts. Sometimes you can flip the contact strip over if one side is arced the other side might contact it. You can also put in a push ****on switch in tandem with the original accelerator pedal switch as a backup.
My 41 buick also had a battery on the floor behind the p***enger front seat . My original service manual said to take the car to the dealership for the additional battery put in for colder climates to help out on the winter months . If you watch the movie christmas story that car also has a battery in the back seat too . During one of the fathers fits' he says both batteries cant be dead !!! I did remove mine and just use the one . Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Here's a pic of the forward carb. I don't see any wires-- Update- just found the secret starter ****on. It's not running yet, but it's turning! Posted using my chicken and 2 cigs
Sons of *****es! Bumpesses! I'll have to pay more attention- I never noticed that part of the movie. -------------- I did get it started after I found the "secret" ****on to start it. Runs good. I snagged a battery out of my Famous Uncles 2N Ford to use for the trip home. After it was going I hit the ****on for the power top. Wow, I was surprised how quickly that sprang into place. Had a nice 10 mile drive home right at dusk. Thanks Pops- missing you but thanks for the beautiful cars. I promise to be a good steward. Maybe tomorrow I'll have a chance to fill in the blanks of my story. Greg Here's a blurry action photo of me driving her home. Posted using my chicken and 2 cigs
The Jalopy Journal
