I have a 8RT (1CM heads) in my 53 F600. It runs awesome when I get it running but it cranks SLOW. I replaced the battery with a new one, all new cables with 00 cables with brand new everything, cleaned all connection points with a wire wheel on my drill, and put in a new SMP SS058 solenoid and it just make a racket. I then changed the starter to a used starter that works in the bench and again the solenoid just makes a racket. Now pulled my original starter apart and cleaned up the armature and the solenoid just makes a racket. I have all new wires and connections so it’s not that. I’m going to put the original solenoid back in next. This thing should just crank and fire up. On 12V, it works ok. It starts beautifully if I push start it.
Is the starter drive getting jammed in the flywheel ring gear?(common when the teeth get worn) This will lock everything up till you loosen the starter Could also be the starter brushes, since it will start on 12v
I don't find any information on that solenoid part number. I do find an SMP SS588 which is the solenoid I have seen on most any old Ford. If the solenoid is just chattering, you need to find out if it is receiving full battery voltage from the ignition switch. What does the battery voltage do when the solenoid is chattering? Does it stay close to 6 volts? Does the voltage at the ignition terminal stay the same as battery voltage when it is chattering? Connect a voltmeter between the mounting flange and the positive terminal of the battery (***uming a positive ground system), does it read any voltage when the solenoid is chattering? If it does, the solenoid does not have a ground.
Try those other suggestions but my 6v Plymouth has a 8v battery. Starts easier and the regulator can be tweaked to charge properly. Not that you want to buy another new battery…
Your starter is probably bad. I had a starter in my '51 Ford for years that would start the car 99 out of 100 times. If I tried to restart it on a really hot day, it would usually fail. I finally got sick and tired of it and installed a rebuilt I had purchased at a swap meet for just such a purpose. The difference was like night and day; the engine must have spun at least twice as fast as before. When stuff fails, it may not fail completely, but live on in kind of zombie-like existence. And of course, you are aware that these days at least, "New" does not necessarily equal 'Good". Why do you think that "used" starter was on a shelf instead of in a car? Everything else you have done sounds good. The one thing that I didn't see was the use of an Optima battery. They have quite a bit more oomph than a regular battery (800 CCA'S). The are more expensive than a regular battery, but last enough longer thar makes up for it. I've had three in my '51 and each lasted at least 13 years (there I did it). The last one from my car is soldiering on in my test stand. In my opinion, a much better solution than an 8 volt battery. They are expensive in themselves, hard to find, and tough on light bulbs, etc.
Did you install the starter support bracket that bolts the starter to the oil pan? starter to oil pan support bracket mystery - The Ford Barn
Here’s a brief recap: Yes, it’s entirely possible for a starter to be “half bad” frequently it’s just a matter of cleaning up the armature contacts that the brushes ride on. With 6 volts everything needs to be perfect. Optima batteries really do provide more poop than a standard battery. They really make a difference on 6V. Have you checked your voltage regulator to make sure it’s putting out enough voltage for a complete charge of the battery? You should have a top off voltage of 7.25V (engine running at a high idle so the generator can do it’s thing.
When you bench tested the starter, did it “spool up” or did it “torque over”? If it spooled up it’s weak.
I’d question the quality of the new solenoid. Like the man said….nowadays new doesn’t mean it’s good……Mark
Your solenoid has mixed reviews on Amazon. I've had a lot of problems with cheap starter solenoids. You must by American made. I think Cole Hersee are.
IF your 6v v-8 set up is like my Model A 6v system, if the starter getting a good ground through the ****** back to the battery? Just my thoughts. Mike
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