I've been working on this over in the 61-66 forum and it was suggested I check here for answers.

I have a '63 F100, mostly original, with the 262 I6, 3 spd. This started with a slow start when cold issue and I've replaced the starter relay (solenoid), and the coil with an Accel Super Stock 4200v coil. This seemed to help the slow start when cold issue but I'm wondering if the hotter coil just masked an underlying issue.

The battery is good and reads 12.4 volts, over 13 volts when running.

Can anyone tell me if these readings are within "acceptable" range?

1) At the Coil + terminal, I get 6.45volts with key in "on" position, 9.9 volts while cranking and 10.4 volts while running.

2) If I test the "I" terminal on the solenoid, it reads .5 volts more than the coil +. So I seem to be dropping .5 volts with this wire going from the "I" on the solenoid to the coil +.

3) With the starter cable removed from the solenoid, I get 11.7 volts during cranking at the solenoid "I" terminal. Is it normal for the starter to cause a 2 volt drop during cranking?

Thanks!

Phil

 

Yes it's normal for some voltage drop, the starter depending on conditions, can draw over 100 amps from the battery. If you have those homemade clamp on repair ends on the battery cables at the battery, that's the first thing I would do is get rid of those.

You are checking everything correctly, and in the right spots. The "I" terminal on the solenoid sends full battery voltage directly to the coil + for faster cold starts. By faster I mean less cranking before it catches. I hope that's what you mean by "slow start" meaning you have to crank it alot. If it's just turning over slow, then that's a problem elsewhere.

 

Thanks for the info.