Hard starting 53 Chev – 6v Found a 53 Chevy that I’m thinking of buying. It runs great but has trouble starting. It acts like a dead batt even though the batt is new. I know it could be the starter and or generator and I know I’ll figure it out. My question is about driving it home for two hours. Should I have to stop and shut the car off for any reason, if it doesn’t start up, what are my options with a 6V system? It’s an auto sedan so I doubt push starting is a realistic option. THANKS!
It's probably the cables. Over the years someone likely changed out the very large 6V cables to cheaper (and smaller) battery cables. 6V requires a LOT of amperage and the guys over on Stovebolt that run 6V systems recommend at least a #1 guage cable, and even #1/0 and larger. Some guys use welder cables. All connections must be clean and tight. You can jump a 6V system with 12V, just make sure all electrical accessories, lights, etc. are turned off on the 6V car and remove the jumper cables as soon as the engine fires.
My 53 was giving me greef as well. I deemed it to be the starter solenoid getting hot. I've since rewired the car to 12V and added a remote solenoid to eliminate this issue. Sounds like you are having trouble when the engine is cold though so I would have to agree with waldo53. You need some monster cables for the 6V.
I had the same issue with my old '53, when I replaced the factory battery cables (badly corroded and worn) it helped a lot, I also got an 8v auger battery from the local auto electric guys and it kicked *** as well. Give the cables a try first.
Based on experience with my 6v positive ground Ford, make sure you have good, clean grounds from the battery to the body, and the engine to the body.
Big cables. Good grounds. But also--- what kind of 6-volt battery have you got in there? Is it a Pep Boys off-t******lf tractor battery? They're pretty wimpy when it comes to cranking amps. The generic 6V in my Pontiac had 625 cold cranking amps. I got a proper-sized battery from NAPA (3EH series) and it puts out 925 CCA.
Take a wire brush and shine up ALL the cable connections both positive and negative battery cables. Don't forget the ones at the solenoid and the ground connections on the block. Get them shiny. Any dirt or corrosion builds up resistance. The heat creates resistance. Make sure there is no added resistance from poor connections. If the cables show any corrosion, get new 6V cables made for your car and not just universal replacement cables from the Auto Zone.
Thanks all, I hear you loud n clear! Waldo53, should I have to jump it, do I disconnect the 6v and reconnect when it starts? Don't blow me up!! If I kill myself and destroy the family ride, my wife is gonna miss that car!
No need to disconnect. Just get it unhooked as quick as you can and as noted, stay off the brake (so as not to blow a bulb) and make sure all the lights are off. Personally, I'd take one of the small portable booster jumpers with me in case nobody is around to jump you. The one I had always boosted my 54 enough until I finally got around to rebuilding the starter. 0/0 cables.
If all you want to do is get it home take a jumper box with you and like said make sure everything is off when you jump it.
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