My wiring diagram ('40 Ford Pickup) shows the starter button grounded to the cab. I have a new ground strap from cab to engine. Continuity is good. I ran a wire from the start button to the terminal on the starter solenoid closest to the positive cable - nothing. I then ran a hot wire to the button and figured that the grounded dash would complete the circuit. When I hit the button ' it smokes so it is obviously going to ground. If I isolate the button from the cab (dash) and use a return wire from the body of the starter button housing to the solenoid, it works like a champ. My solenoid (starter relay) is a more current unit from the mid sixties. Anybody care to venture what I need to do to make it work with the button in the dash? Thanks, Steve

 

I experienced a similar problems on my '41 initially. Be sure the momentary button (starter button) is properly installed. That metal dash can cause issues, then in a worst case scenario take a ground wire clear back to your battery ground.

Not exactly sure how you're wiring is i.e. original harness etc, but I created a single source known good ground point under my dash, also an 'accessory' hot and a direct hot point. I have installed new VDO guages, and grounded them to each other and then to the single known good ground. Your switch could ground to a single source like that too.

Hope this helps

 

Thanks, 41 By properly installed, I assume that you mean that the start button fits snugly in the dash. This could be the trouble as it is a little loose after being in and out of the dash so many times. If I were to run a separate ground to the battery, I think you mean that the ground wire should be affixed directly to the switch housing and not the dash? Steve

 

Thats exactly what I meant.....sorry to be a little unclear. Sounds like the loose fit in the dash may well be the issue. I replaced my button with a new one....probably about 7 bucks or so at any auto parts shop..

 

The newer starter soliniod may be the problem. The origional used the button as a ground to the soliniod to start the truck. Newer ones use a hot current going into the soliniod in order to start the truck. You may be able to attach a relay into the system so that the starter button will work (although when I tried that with my 52 and got a jolt of pain everytime I pressed the button). Good luck!

Clayton

 

Thank you guys, for your input. I received a comprehensive email from the member from another forum. In it he explained about the need for a grounding relay. Steve

 

I installed a new Ign. switch and wired it in just like the late model trucks. The starter button is just there to fill the hole in the dash on my 51.