After getting my flathead's starter motor rebuilt I did not get power to the starter button on the dash. I could start and run from the button under the solenoid, but when I released the button the motor died. Changed the solenoid, installed new ground strap, checked coil to battery juice and it was good. Am ordering a new condenser (located on the side of the distributor) but if that is not the problem I am stumped. Any ideas? I also have ordered a new resistor(?) located under my steeering column on the inside of firewall. but I have heard these are not usually a problem. Car was restored in 1980 but has sat in the garage for 16 years until I got it out about 3 1/2 years ago. This is the first real problem I have had with the car. Any ideas are appreciated.
Wiring on a '46 Ford... With original solenoid, battery cable and the wires that feed everything in car including ignition attach to the side of the 'noid closest to driver's side. Other side feeds starter and is live only when the button is pushed...you just have your wiring on wrong side, I think.
On the starter button stuff...you need to figure out exactly what solenoid and button you have! Ford solenoid is isolated base, meaning not grounded, and the button on dash is not powered...it provides the ground for the solenoid and so works the starter. Many other solenoids have grounded bases but no hot hookup to their coils, and the starter switch for these feeds them power from the hot side to work the starter. First look at button on dash...if stock it will have a single wire to its clip. If 2 wires it is likely an alteration for the other style solenoid... Next, what solenoid, source, part number, etc.?? It should have a single small terminal...ground that terminal with a screwdriver and see if it cranks. If not, connect from battery cable side to the small terminal and see what happens. If car exits your garage through the back wall while doing this, you forgot to put it in neutral!
In a discussion with another guy here at work, he thinks the same thing; the wiring is backward. The starter should connect to the solenoid on one side and the battery and accessory wiring connects on the other. I will switch these and make sure I have it in neutral when I crank it up! The starter button is the single wire design. It is a 6 volt positive ground system and the solenoid has the single small terminal. Thanks
The wiring has to be on the battery side because that is where everything connects. Other way gives you juice to lights, ignition, etc. only when starter is running. You should go to the book section at C&G Ford and get hold of the 1946 service manual, #DG-068 in their catalog. Extremely useful in a lot of ways, but here it has both pictorial and schematic info on the electrical system.
Before you get crazy involved, just check the firewall capacitor/resistor. It's that ceramic thing with the coil in it. Just test it by taking the wire from each side and connect them. Bypassing the capacitor/resistor essentially. Try to start it, if she runs...you found he culprit. Good luck man
The Jalopy Journal
