I went out this evening and started the car, it started fine back it out of the garage. I started work on the inside. THen I went to start it and all I got was a "clunk". Turned the key again "clunk". So I thought maybe the battery, so I put a new battery in and still, just a "clunk". So I know it not the battery gotta be the starter. Power is going to it because I am hearing the clunk sound. The starter looks to be the original. I am running a partial 12v conversion with a 12 volt ingnition coil, alternator and balliest resistor. People out there that used to these old chevy's, tell me has my starter just gone bad?
I'm thinking it might be the selinoid??? if thats the case, can I jsut place 12v selinoid in the 6v starter?
12 volts to a 6 volt system is going to fry anything that is 6 volt specific: radio, bulbs, heater, gauges and yes the solenoid too.
The car has upgraded bulbs, headlights, a resistor for the gauges. So do you think my solenoid went out in this case? Can I run a 12v solenoid in a 6 volt started so I don't burn it out?
'55-'57 solenoid fits & will slow down engagement. Why not jump the solenoid & watch what happens? It's right in front of you ... if it engages but doesn't turn the engine, then try turning it over by hand.
have someone attempt to start the car while you "tap" on the starter with a hammer or some other blunt object.
Yeah, all I hear is the one click sound, which makes me think its the soleniod has a weak spot/or bad? I will check that this morning.
Well, got out there this morning and decided to first take a wire brush to the terminals on the starter solenoid and ground. After I clean those up a bit. Got in the car and she started right up!! So it sounds to me like I just need to pull the whole starter, solenoid and all and clean her up and get a rebuild kit. Question, would be it be best for me, since i'm running a 12volt semi conversion..to go with a later model solenoid instead of cleaning up the 6v?
I know this is old, but I just had the same thing happen to me. Cleaned the terminals, grounds etc, and ****! Forgot my keys at home! Lol so I'm hoping that is the case when I get back to the car in town! Those old 6 v starters will take a beating and all my ole timer buddies said they never changed the started when converting. Sounds like you fixed the problem and hears hoping I did to! Damn keys! Sad thing is, I didn't like the ignition so I was in great shape,..... Till I remembered the damn battery was in the trunk! Ugh. Sux to be stupid!
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