37 ford starter/solenoid problem

[Paranyos]

Hi Guys, I have a stock 37 ford truck with 6 volt system. It has been running fine. Tried to start the other day, it turned over a few times but did not start. Pushed the starter button again and got a single click. Turn the key again and get one click. It has 6.6 volts at the battery. I thought it might be the starter and I gave it a few taps with a hammer, nothing. I replaced the solenoid, same thing. I then checked the volts at the starter and I only have 4.6 volts when I push the starter button. Do I have 2 bad solenoids? Can I bypass the solenoid and spark straight from battery to starter to see if it he starter is ok? As you can probably tell, I am new to these old trucks and could sure use some expert advise. Thanks!

[Tinker]

Check your connections and wires. Clean and Good grounds.

[Paranyos]

Everything is very clean and tight

[Mike in AZ]

Welcome to the ‘Barn. You can jump straight to starter with 6 or 12v. Do it ignition off to isolate the starter. If the starter spins well, then start tracing back. Got good grounds? Good heavy cable? Good luck. Mike

[Tinker]

You can jump it. Seems weird that even one solenoid would be bad. But I guess so.


Your starter grounds to the engine through the face plate. Paint from the engine/bell face plate can slow a starter and volts.

[Paranyos]

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It has good cables. The truck has been very reliable the year I have had it. I tried jumping across the solenoid with a pair of vise grips but all I got were a bunch of sparks. Perhaps that is not a good way to do it?

[Tinker]

You could take your battery somewhere to test cranking amps. Since it worked before.

[Paranyos]

It has a 2 month old optima battery and is always on a tender

[Paranyos]

Ok, I just tried jumping straight from the battery to the starter. I got kind of a clunk sound and it does not turn over. I assume the starter is bad? I still wonder why I only get 4.6 volts at the starter when I go thru the solenoid?

[Tinker]

Hand crank the motor. If free turning. maybe starter. Good luck! Post updates

[JSeery]

Sounds like a bad ground at the starter, but? I would start by removing the starter and see what it does. You are sure the starter is not stuck on the flywheel?

[Tinker]

Originally Posted by JSeery

Sounds like a bad ground at the starter, but? I would start by removing the starter and see what it does. You are sure the starter is not stuck on the flywheel?

No he said all his connections are solid and clean.

[JSeery]

I know, and it was running fine up until now, but 4.5 volts at the starter sounds like a bad ground or connection somewhere.

[Tinker]

Originally Posted by JSeery

I know, and it was running fine up until now, but 4.5 volts at the starter sounds like a bad ground or connection somewhere.

I agree totally.

But he also said he jumped it and the starter didn't turn. Starter grounds to engine through the contact plate. Or the rare but possible starter fail.

But you or I aren't there............. soooo... it's a!l guessing right. All good

[Paranyos]

Update: I just put it in 3rd gear and rocked it back and forth. I heard a clunk, took it out of gear, turned on the key, pushed the button and it started up with it's usual cranking. Turned it off and started it a few times, works great. Now, what does that mean? Do I have a flat spot on the starter? Should I take it off and have it looked at, or just see what happens?

[Tinker]

What's the history on the motor? All original parts?

[Paranyos]

It has a rebuilt 47 ford motor. Rebuilt 25 years or so ago. Other than that, everything is original.

[Tinker]

Could just be a bad/broken bendix. Pull your starter. Look for a broken parts/spring maybe, maybe a mismatch of flywheel to starter (above my pay grade to be definitive on what will work across yrs totally), but you have been using it for a yr so probably not. Two bolts, just be careful to keep it all together as those bolts hold it all together.


Most times if the ring gear is bad a starter will just spin on chipped teeth.


Good time to clean the area between the starter and engine also.

[Paranyos]

Wouldn't it make a sound when trying to start it?

[Tinker]

Yes it should make a voom-voom sound.


something like this... granted they all sound different.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLFTO0Bx9-E