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Wire size???

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Old Dec 12, 2023 | 06:03 PM
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Wire size???

I can't seem to find the right size wire to go from my starter relay to my starter.

6volt system

Problem I'm having, when truck has been sitting, it starts up perfectly every time. However if I have been driving it around for while and I shut it off, it doesn't want to start back unless I let it sit for about 20-30 minutes then it starts again. When it tries to start and it's hot, I just get a slight wine noise and it seems like the starter can't turn the motor. But when cooled down, starts like a top.

 
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Old Dec 12, 2023 | 06:19 PM
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You need 00 gauge. Your originals might be corroded and the amps needed can't get through the cable.

Several years ago my truck acted the same way, hard to start when hot. I thought to myself "it can't be the cables. I had new 00 gauge made when I fixed up the truck." That was 1999. And this was around 2012, over 10 years ago. I got new cables made and it starts easily every time even when hot.
 
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Old Dec 12, 2023 | 06:19 PM
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Sounds to me like a typical Ford starter with a bad end bearing. I've had this problem on a couple of Fords I've had from my '49 F-2 to a '70 car. There is a small clearance between the armature and the fields in the starter. As it gets hot the parts expand and come closer together. All works fine until the end bearing in the end cover starts to wear out and gets sloppy. Once the starter warms up and the armature and fields expand they come into contact with each other and the starter binds up until the starter cools and the parts contract. Eventually it will get worse.
 
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Old Dec 12, 2023 | 06:32 PM
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Originally Posted by bobj49f2
Sounds to me like a typical Ford starter with a bad end bearing. I've had this problem on a couple of Fords I've had from my '49 F-2 to a '70 car. There is a small clearance between the armature and the fields in the starter. As it gets hot the parts expand and come closer together. All works fine until the end bearing in the end cover starts to wear out and gets sloppy. Once the starter warms up and the armature and fields expand they come into contact with each other and the starter binds up until the starter cools and the parts contract. Eventually it will get worse.
That is why you need new thick cables to get more amps to the starter to overcome the expanded components in the starter.
 
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Old Dec 12, 2023 | 06:39 PM
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From: Pratt Ks
if you cant get 00 cable then get some 2/0 welding cable instead.
 
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Old Dec 12, 2023 | 06:51 PM
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Originally Posted by abe
You need 00 gauge. Your originals might be corroded and the amps needed can't get through the cable.

Several years ago my truck acted the same way, hard to start when hot. I thought to myself "it can't be the cables. I had new 00 gauge made when I fixed up the truck." That was 1999. And this was around 2012, over 10 years ago. I got new cables made and it starts easily every time even when hot.
00 to go from the Relay to the starter?
 
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Old Dec 12, 2023 | 06:54 PM
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Originally Posted by bobj49f2
Sounds to me like a typical Ford starter with a bad end bearing. I've had this problem on a couple of Fords I've had from my '49 F-2 to a '70 car. There is a small clearance between the armature and the fields in the starter. As it gets hot the parts expand and come closer together. All works fine until the end bearing in the end cover starts to wear out and gets sloppy. Once the starter warms up and the armature and fields expand they come into contact with each other and the starter binds up until the starter cools and the parts contract. Eventually it will get worse.
What's the solution? New starter? If nee starter, where would I find on for a 215? Everything I see is for an 8 cylinder
 
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Old Dec 12, 2023 | 06:55 PM
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Originally Posted by DieselDog409
if you cant get 00 cable then get some 2/0 welding cable instead.
Should battery cables and the relay to the starter cable all be 00?
 
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Old Dec 12, 2023 | 07:54 PM
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00 and 2/0 are the same wire gauge, just different notation. x/0 means that many zeros, so 2/0 is 00.

Yes, this would be used for both battery cables and the starter to relay cable. While you are at it, check your grounds too!

What is interesting is that your truck is a 51 but has a 215 that was introduced in 52?

As for the starter... you can rebuild yours with new bushings/bearings etc if you have some mechanical inclination.

If going with a replacement unit, Ford generally used the same starter motor form factor, so just about any 6V CW Ford Starter for this era may do.

However, the actual drive unit should be transferred or replaced with what the book says is a Ford 1CM-11350-C https://www.google.com/search?q=ford+1CM-11350-C . This would be a 9 tooth CW model. It also isn't readily apparent if the length or other attributes of the specified 1CM-11005-A armature shaft is different than the more standard 18-11005 in a significant way...
 
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Old Dec 12, 2023 | 07:58 PM
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All cables should be 00 gauge or 2/0 welding cable like Dawg says, which is more flexible. And I THINK they are about the same. I have used both.

Start simple and cheap. Get cables. If that doesn't fix your problem then take your starter to an auto electronic shop. New cables fixed my problem.
 
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Old Dec 12, 2023 | 08:25 PM
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Originally Posted by bmoran4
00 and 2/0 are the same wire gauge, just different notation. x/0 means that many zeros, so 2/0 is 00.

Yes, this would be used for both battery cables and the starter to relay cable. While you are at it, check your grounds too!

What is interesting is that your truck is a 51 but has a 215 that was introduced in 52?

As for the starter... you can rebuild yours with new bushings/bearings etc if you have some mechanical inclination.

If going with a replacement unit, Ford generally used the same starter motor form factor, so just about any 6V CW Ford Starter for this era may do.

However, the actual drive unit should be transferred or replaced with what the book says is a Ford 1CM-11350-C https://www.google.com/search?q=ford+1CM-11350-C . This would be a 9 tooth CW model. It also isn't readily apparent if the length or other attributes of the specified 1CM-11005-A armature shaft is different than the more standard 18-11005 in a significant way...
I'll do some research on the starter. Mine is a 52. I will also try and find some 00 cable. Looks like auto zone and local parts stores only sell 4 gauge battery cables. But I'll find some and get all 3 replaced before messing with the starter to see if it makes a difference.
 
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Old Dec 12, 2023 | 08:27 PM
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Originally Posted by abe
All cables should be 00 gauge or 2/0 welding cable like Dawg says, which is more flexible. And I THINK they are about the same. I have used both.

Start simple and cheap. Get cables. If that doesn't fix your problem then take your starter to an auto electronic shop. New cables fixed my problem.
Thank you. I will definitely attack the cables first.
 
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Old Dec 12, 2023 | 08:28 PM
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Originally Posted by CjohnsonLP
Mine is a 52.
Makes sense, but your profile lists a 51?

Originally Posted by CjohnsonLP
I will also try and find some 00 cable. Looks like auto zone and local parts stores only sell 4 gauge battery cables. But I'll find some and get all 3 replaced before messing with the starter to see if it makes a difference.
Let us know if you have any other questions and how you make out!
 
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Old Dec 12, 2023 | 08:39 PM
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There is an online business that will make cables to your length, thickness and color. Do a Google search.
 
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Old Dec 12, 2023 | 09:11 PM
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https://www.batterycablesusa.com/
Try these guys Wayne 52 Merc posted about them and I used them. Excellent quality
 
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