Sparton horn questions
 

I figured I would ask the experts before I get into this project. I'm getting power to the horn. When I push the horn button on the steering wheel, I can hear the motor turning inside the horn. On a rare occasion the horn will attempt to "aooga" but it's pretty faint. I've tried the adjustment screw, but that doesn't seem to help. What should I be looking for when I remove the back cover of the horn? Mike's "A" Fordable parts sells a rebuild kit. Thanks

Re: Sparton horn questions
 

Try moving the armature back and forth -there shouldn't be any looseness/play . If there is, you can bend the tensioner tang on the outer motor base plate to take up the looseness - but don't over bend it either which can cause problems. Also check the ratchet wheel on the armature end for looseness.

Jon in Ohio

Re: Sparton horn questions
 

Confirm the diaphragm is not installed backwards... as was the case on a horn I bought here a while back. Flipped it over and it works just fine.

Re: Sparton horn questions
 

Remove the motor cover and observe the motor when you push the button. If the motor spins freely but no Ahooga you have an adjustment problem or your diaphragm need attention. If it doesn't spin freely or spins slowly it might be brushes or a dirty commutator. If it doesn't spin at all there is a short or a bad ground or a broken connection somewhere.

Re: Sparton horn questions
 

I have also seen the diaphragm in backwards. I have a video on the rebuild of a horn on You Tube. youtube.com/modelatimes and look for the horn video.

Re: Sparton horn questions
 

To keep my original from sprouting legs and taking a hike, I bought the Sparton horn that Snyder's sells a couple of years ago. Man oh man that baby puts out an AHOOga that can be heard in Kansas City:eek: sounds great.

That may be one option after you check out what is going on with your's. Maybe you have a cheapo repop from the 70's they were pretty bad--------------------

Re: Sparton horn questions
 

On the bottom on the horn motor there is a wavy disc (ratchet). The wavy disc rubs against a nub on the diaphragm. As the ratchet spins it causes the diaphragm to vibrate and make the sound. As the motor speeds up you get the AHHHH, at speed OOOOO and as it slows the GAHHH.

Your motor is spinning that's 80% right there. Now, as mentioned, you need to see if the ratchet is rubbing on the diaphragm.

Re: Sparton horn questions
 

Thanks to all! It's supposed to rain today so I think I'll tear into it today. I'm sure there will be more questions coming on my part. I will report back. Thanks again, Smitty

Re: Sparton horn questions
 

A&L make the repro horns everyone sells. They will sell the motor unit separate if you want to keep your original horn. But the repro complete unit is really nice and you really can't tell it is not original.

Re: Sparton horn questions
 

I'll second that John. Ours looks great on the car looks like a fully restored original. And works perfectly.

Re: Sparton horn questions