Okay guys I am having some trouble getting my F6 started. It is my first attempt to get one of these trucks started. This truck is 6v positive ground. That being said the title explains it all. I have read through a lot of the previous threads on here and have gotten some great tips. I have new battery cables (2/0 gauge, too thick?), cleaned all the surfaces for proper grounds, new battery, new wiring harness, and after three starter relays I've ruined I am starting to question what I am doing wrong. I do not have spark but I want to tackle this starter issue first. Any idea what gives?

-Sam

 

This might seem dumb but are you sure they are for 6v? I burnt 2 of them that were re pops and then went back to my original and it works fine. Does your relay have the starter button on it? I had the most trouble with those

 

Where are you getting the relays from? Lots of junk out there. NOS electrical parts are better made with better materials and don't cost any more, there's little demand for 6 volt solenoids these days. Check current draw of starter off the truck, RPM, and voltage drop of starter circuits when cranking. Just some ideas. Let us know what you find!

 

I burnt several also starting my 1950 after 22 years. To answer the cable question, that is a good size. Bigger is necessary with the 6 volt

 

Try to use a battery booster when you are attempting to start the engine. I think when the voltage drops it can weld the contacts inside the relay

 

What exactly is the failure mode of the solenoids? Visible smoke? Just quit working at all? Click when you push the button but won't spin the starter? We'll need more information if we're to be able to point you in the right direction.

 

When I hit the starter button the relay just clicks. Also a few times the motor continues to turn over after I stop hitting the starter button.

 

Well its funny you ask. I got my first one from MACs and that one ended up cranking over the engine after I let go of the switch. My second two were ordered from advanced auto parts. I am going to try a 6v one i bought from Tractor Supply tomorrow and see what happens. I am also going to check the voltage at the starter.

I think it would also be worth mentioning my cables get very hot where they are connected to the starter relay.

Sam

 

Before you try the latest version, I would recheck my wiring against the stock diagram (I'm assuming a stock truck ). Something isn't right if the starter both doesn't engage and doesn't disengage properly. The cables getting warm is also troubling. Not sure if that is after extended cranking.

 

If you're running 2/0 cables and they're still getting hot and you're having issues with burnt and/or welded relay contacts, I would say that your starter may well be pulling too much current. Possibly a shorted winding or a short to ground. Do you have any sort of auto electric shop in your area that you can have check it out off the truck?

 

Yes, it does kind of sound as if the starter is due for a rebuild. Kits are available, they are simple beasts. Excessive current draw (basically a short) will quench ignition too.

 

When is the last time the engine ran?

 

It's a new starter so I am not sure if that's necessary

 

OK, but still a good plan to test the starter. Is it new new or rebuilt new? Something is making those double ought cables get hot. A lot of the rebuilds are just "spray and pray" these days.

 

New starter doesn't mean it's a good one.
If it has never been started since being rebuilt, a jump from 12V might be necessary.
Just a couple of thoughts.,...jack