The Ford Barn

Baxter · 07-13-2020, 04:24 PM

Hi guys, I'm having a problem with a 29 Speedster that is not restored but I would like to get running before I do restore it. I have a short somewhere which causes the control arm to the throttle to get super hot (burned twice).
The starter has a lot of drag and I have replaced it with a rebuilt unit. Still the same. The engine has a "modern" distributor with a high compression head. Where do I start? Thanks.
P.S. I have 2 other restored and running "A"s.

Patrick L. · 07-13-2020, 04:31 PM

Which 'control arm' are you referring to ? foot or hand ?

With what has been said, I'd recommend removing, cleaning the battery ground cable at the frame. It sounds as if the electrical system is trying to find a ground and can't. It wouldn't hurt to clean the battery terminals too.

Baxter · 07-13-2020, 05:51 PM

Thanks, I will start at the battery and work my way through. Will update as I go.

Kurt in NJ · 07-13-2020, 06:28 PM

ground problem would be a good place to look

JKY · 07-13-2020, 07:11 PM

If that doesn't fix it and the hot item is the throttle arm on the steering column, I'd bet you have a short in the column.

With a the battery disconnected you can start disconnecting wiring and see what is grounded that shouldn't be. Be systematic, that will save a lot of time. Once you isolate which portion is shorting to ground, you can easily chase down the culprit.

Jacksonlll · 07-13-2020, 07:21 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Your engine is getting its ground through the choke rod.

Ruth · 07-14-2020, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JKY

If that doesn't fix it and the hot item is the throttle arm on the steering column, I'd bet you have a short in the column.

The only wire in the steering column is the horn wire.

bbrocksr · 07-14-2020, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baxter

Hi guys, I'm having a problem with a 29 Speedster that is not restored but I would like to get running before I do restore it. I have a short somewhere which causes the control arm to the throttle to get super hot (burned twice).
The starter has a lot of drag and I have replaced it with a rebuilt unit. Still the same. The engine has a "modern" distributor with a high compression head. Where do I start? Thanks.
P.S. I have 2 other restored and running "A"s.

Defective ground, The ground is not sufficient to carry the starter draw so it is going through the throttle rod causing it to get hot. That is also why the starter is dragging, poor ground.

Bill

Patrick L. · 07-14-2020, 05:20 AM

4 responses mentioning the possibility of a bad ground. Hmm, could be a bad ground.

JKY · 07-14-2020, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruth

The only wire in the steering column is the horn wire.

Thanks!

katy · 07-14-2020, 11:17 AM

Add a ground cable between the frame and the engine or the transmission.

Patrick L. · 07-14-2020, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katy

Add a ground cable between the frame and the engine or the transmission.

I like an extra cable too.

07-13-2020, 04:24 PM	#1
Baxter Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Metcalfe, ON, Canada Posts: 14	Electrical issue Hi guys, I'm having a problem with a 29 Speedster that is not restored but I would like to get running before I do restore it. I have a short somewhere which causes the control arm to the throttle to get super hot (burned twice). The starter has a lot of drag and I have replaced it with a rebuilt unit. Still the same. The engine has a "modern" distributor with a high compression head. Where do I start? Thanks. P.S. I have 2 other restored and running "A"s.

07-13-2020, 04:31 PM	#2
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: Electrical issue Which 'control arm' are you referring to ? foot or hand ? With what has been said, I'd recommend removing, cleaning the battery ground cable at the frame. It sounds as if the electrical system is trying to find a ground and can't. It wouldn't hurt to clean the battery terminals too.

07-13-2020, 05:51 PM	#3
Baxter Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Metcalfe, ON, Canada Posts: 14	Re: Electrical issue Thanks, I will start at the battery and work my way through. Will update as I go.

07-13-2020, 06:28 PM	#4
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,556	Re: Electrical issue ground problem would be a good place to look

07-13-2020, 07:11 PM	#5
JKY Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2020 Posts: 152	Re: Electrical issue If that doesn't fix it and the hot item is the throttle arm on the steering column, I'd bet you have a short in the column. With a the battery disconnected you can start disconnecting wiring and see what is grounded that shouldn't be. Be systematic, that will save a lot of time. Once you isolate which portion is shorting to ground, you can easily chase down the culprit.

07-13-2020, 07:21 PM	#6
Jacksonlll Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Michigan-- Member of Oakleaf of MARC Posts: 1,686	Re: Electrical issue Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Your engine is getting its ground through the choke rod.

07-14-2020, 05:20 AM	#9
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: Electrical issue 4 responses mentioning the possibility of a bad ground. Hmm, could be a bad ground.

07-14-2020, 11:17 AM	#11
katy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 5,716	Re: Electrical issue Add a ground cable between the frame and the engine or the transmission. __________________ If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn!