Starter Lockup Problem
 

Had the starter in my 40 coupe lock up the other night. Would not free up so I had it towed home. I swapped starters and she started fine a couple times then locked up again. Figured another bad starter? Well, installed another and also a new starter solenoid. Started OK but after trying it a couple times, she locked up again.

So I have the angle bracket on the top bolt to the pan, everything seems fine but after this happening with 3 different starters I'm a bit concerned. I've not had this problem with the car at all in the 15 years she's been on the road. The starter that was in it had been there for probably 8 years - I had picked it up used at a swap meet. I am running 12 volts to them but never over crank them.

I've searched the old postings on this subject and I seem to have everything in order - I would like to hear your thoughts however. I will try another starter tomorrow ....

Thanks .....

Re: Starter Lockup Problem
 

Tom, if you are running 12 volts to a 6 volt starter, you might check that the ring gear has not moved from the impact of the starter. I have seen this happen. Ed

Re: Starter Lockup Problem
 

I don,t like the way the 12 volts jolt the 6 volt starter. You and many other have had no problems for years. I have a c4 trans and I use one from speedway.
Powermaster 92507 Flathead Ford V8 Starter, 12 Volt
You could have bad spot on ring gear, or bad connection on cable.

Re: Starter Lockup Problem
 

It sounds like this is your problem. Been there, done that. Had the same problem with mine. I have 12V windings in my starter but it still happened even with a new ring gear. Finally drilled between the gear and flywheel and installed 4 - 1/4" allen set screws evenly around the wheel. Problem disappeared.

Re: Starter Lockup Problem
 

it could be the 12 volt on the 6volt starter, it hitting the ring gear so hard the bendix is going in just a little to far and locking up behind the ring gear ,might try putting a spacer of some kind between the starter and bell housing to hold the starter a little farther back

Re: Starter Lockup Problem
 

Tom, that occasionally happens on my '35 fordor. The last time it happened (@ 2013 Moonshine Fest) I had to remove the mounting bolts to get the bendix gear free. I took the starter completely off to check it over and found nothing wrong. I believe the problem on mine is with the teeth on the ring gear.

Re: Starter Lockup Problem
 

Tom,

I had this problem on the '40 I used to have. It had an 8BA with 12 volts to the 6 volt starter. I changed the ring gear which was a bit chewed up and it solved the problem. But, I did put a hi-torque 12 volt starter in my '32 and it has done a very good job for me so far.

Ted

Re: Starter Lockup Problem
 

How I did it with my ring gear!

Jorgen


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Re: Starter Lockup Problem
 

Pretty cool idea .... thanks!

Re: Starter Lockup Problem
 

just a quick note to all ,if this happens ,with a stick trans put it in gear and rock the car back and forth, for the most of the time it will unlock from the flywheel ,saves on a wrecker bill

Re: Starter Lockup Problem
 

Got the starter problem resolved. Since the starters that were "locked up" came out easily my friend John Mullen suggested that it might be poor starter to engine ground. So, I cleaned everything up on the pan and starter, installed it, and she fired right up good and strong. Multiple tries later, no issues - so I think it's a wrap and she's ready for summertime cruising ....

Thanks for the help everyone and thank you John - you saved me from having to pull the motor!

Re: Starter Lockup Problem
 

Starter lock up can be addressed by placing the trans in 2nd gear and pushing the car to the back to spin the engine in reverse rotation to disengage the starter gear. Pushing forward will stick the gear worse. If the starter contines to have a lock up issue you will have to check the ring gear for wear

Re: Starter Lockup Problem
 

When had my `51 F1 apart I replaced the ring gear and so far have not had any issues with using a 12 volt battery with a 6 volt starter. Could the ring gear be worn causing the problem?