1937 magnetic solenoid clicking

[ron37ford]

I have a 1937 Ford Tudor.
The previous owner put a 12 volt battery to the solenoid and to the starter.
The 6 volt runs everything else.
This has happened before, but went away.
When starting, the solenoid just clicks and doesn't turn over.
The battery is fully charged, actually I overcharged it.
I tried to jump the solenoid to see if I could turn it over, but must be doing something wrong.
Is the clicking problem just replacing the solenoid.

Thanks,

[4dFord/SC]

Is it a series of clicks, or just one?

[ron37ford]

When I push the starter button, it is a series of clicks

[ron37ford]

My mistake. It's just 1 click.

[4dFord/SC]

Sounds like the starter is jammed against the fly wheel. Put the transmission in high gear and vigorously rock the car back and forth. If that doesn't work, try banging on the starter with a hammer (you can't hurt it). If it still won't start, loosen the starter and back it out. You may have to take it all the way off, depending on how badly it's jammed. Don't withdraw the through bolts from the starter; put nuts on them to hold it together. If it separates, you'll have the additional fun of reinstalling the brushes. If you do have to remove the starter, you might consider installing a modern-style drive while it's out.

[40cpe]

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If it has happened before and cleared up, maybe the contacts in the solenoid are going out. Before removing the starter, try jumping across the two large terminals on the solenoid to see if the starter will turn.

[19Fordy]

Is your battery fully charged?
If so, you probably need a new solenoid.
First do what 40cpe suggests.

[corvette8n]

Also make sure you have good grounds, wire brush under where the grounds bolt on. Make sure you have a ground from battery to motor and one to the frame and body. I buy flat braided cable from Tractor Supply or any farm store near you.

[ron37ford]

Thanks for your help. The solenoid is pretty cheap from C&G. Hopefully that will be the fix.

[ron37ford]

Also, I tried jumping the solenoid last night and couldn't get anything.

[rotorwrench]

I'd take the 12-volt battery out and use it for something else. Repair all the grounds and get the heaviest cable you can for the starter connection. If the starter needs a rebuild, I'd do that too and make sure it is set up for 6-volt. The starter solenoid should at least an original type ground to function unit that will pass current when energized. A person needs to make sure the single terminal type solenoid has the battery connected to the proper terminal for function of the solenoid too. If the engine can be turned by hand then 6-volts will turn it just fine if all the components in the system are the proper type and in good condition.

I can see changing a car over to full 12-volt function for one reason or another but I can't see a reason for a jury rig set up like that. 6-volt worked just fine for all the years the flathead was produced and then some.

[rich b]

So if everything else is 6 volts; how is the 12 volt battery being charged?

[ron37ford]

thanks for the reply. I have no idea why they did the 12V. I'm selling the car and don't want to spend anymore time on it. I planned on converting it when I purchased it, but spent too much time getting it to where it is today.

[ron37ford]

it's not. I have to check the charge when I go out. I have no idea who dreamed this up and why.

[rotorwrench]

If you just want to check the solenoid, it can be energized and use a test lamp or ohms meter to see if current will pass through to the starter side while energized. If current will pass, then there is a problem with the conductor wire to the starter or the starter itself. If it doesn't click when the button is pushed, it may be wired incorrectly. The large terminal to the battery is also connected internally to the solenoid coil and the start button terminal is the ground side to energize the solenoid coil. If it clicks and no power goes through from the bat side terminal to the start side, then something is wrong with the contactor plates inside the solenoid.

[ron37ford]

thanks again