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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

engine starting problems-any suggestions?

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Old Sep 4, 2009 | 07:14 AM
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engine starting problems-any suggestions?

I have an 8BA flatty with a 6 volt electical system and I have to put off my 12 volt 'upgrade' since I have another project that needs completion. When cold the engine will start easily but after running and warm the starter is reluctent to turn the engine over. A push or downhill run and the engine starts fine. Looking for suggestions to solve problem.
 
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Old Sep 4, 2009 | 07:40 AM
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I had a car that did that and it turned out to be the battery.
 
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Old Sep 4, 2009 | 08:51 AM
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It sounds like it could be the starter. Ford starters are known to act up when warmed. There is very little clearance between the armature and fields inside the starter and if your bushings are worn they will allow the armature to come into cantact with the fields when the armature expands from the heat. When the engine/starter cools the armature will contract and not come in contact with the fields. This will go on for a while until the bushing are worn too far and the starter will stop working.
 
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Old Sep 4, 2009 | 09:38 AM
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Originally Posted by bobj49f2
It sounds like it could be the starter. Ford starters are known to act up when warmed. There is very little clearance between the armature and fields inside the starter and if your bushings are worn they will allow the armature to come into cantact with the fields when the armature expands from the heat. When the engine/starter cools the armature will contract and not come in contact with the fields. This will go on for a while until the bushing are worn too far and the starter will stop working.
Thanks Bob,
It seems as if the starter is more the problem than the battery since I keep a trickle charge on the battery and it does turn over cold and trys when warm. I'll see if there is a rebuild shop nearby and get the starter worked on.
 
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Old Sep 4, 2009 | 09:55 AM
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Kmule
you might also check your cables and be sure they are large enough for the 6 volts. Heat causes resistance which causes voltage drop. Also the grounds and battery ends have to be very clean to get voltage to the starter. The 6 volts is marginal at best and my 6 volt stuff starts fine hot or cold, but everything has to be getting full voltage to work. You might try running a ground directly from the battery to the starter, like a jumper cable and see if this helps in your hot start. The starters ground using the bolts to the engine and with oil and dirt sometimes you lose enough ground to only get a partial ground.
 
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Old Sep 4, 2009 | 01:01 PM
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Originally Posted by larryb346
Kmule
you might also check your cables and be sure they are large enough for the 6 volts. Heat causes resistance which causes voltage drop. Also the grounds and battery ends have to be very clean to get voltage to the starter. The 6 volts is marginal at best and my 6 volt stuff starts fine hot or cold, but everything has to be getting full voltage to work. You might try running a ground directly from the battery to the starter, like a jumper cable and see if this helps in your hot start. The starters ground using the bolts to the engine and with oil and dirt sometimes you lose enough ground to only get a partial ground.
Another good suggestion. I was planning on a rewire job to change to 12 volt and use some di-electric grease to help in proper contact so I should move that part of the project up.
thanks again.
 
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Old Sep 4, 2009 | 01:42 PM
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I just had this same problem with my 6V 8BA. I was doing a lot pf night driving which can give your battery a workout in a 6V. Mine was great cold and dragging hot. It died on me on a hot noon time August cruise. Had a spare with me in my box of carryalong parts. It was fresh off the BATT-tender . I cleaned up the contact first, just to check the old Batt but NADA. I put in the fresh one and it cranked like a champ. I got a year old starter. Its good to read about the symptoms and problems with the starters and 6V stuff.
 
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