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Old 08-28-2018, 07:06 PM   #1
draggin49
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Default Foot starter suddenly won’t work??

My 32 roadster has been fine ,never had issues with foot starter. Ran to the bank. Car fired up normally when I left . Get out the bank push the button and it won’t start, push the foot button and absolutely nothin happens.i was in the bank for only a minute , battery was not on had it in the off position.ideas?
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Old 08-28-2018, 07:16 PM   #2
draggin49
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Default Re: Foot starter suddenly won’t work??

Well I walked somewhere real quick, came back .Put my foot on starter button and wiggled it a a little as I pushed down and it fired up. So at least I’m no longer stranded haha.

Last edited by draggin49; 08-28-2018 at 07:31 PM.
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Old 08-28-2018, 07:46 PM   #3
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Default Re: Foot starter suddenly won’t work??

Check all connections are tight...failing that, you can uncrimp the switch and clean up the contacts.
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Old 08-28-2018, 07:55 PM   #4
Charlie Stephens
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Default Re: Foot starter suddenly won’t work??

The good news is that you can start them with the crank.

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Old 08-28-2018, 09:39 PM   #5
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Default Re: Foot starter suddenly won’t work??

Foot starters are just two copper plates, you push down they connect. A very simple switch. Open the switch by bending the few knocked over pressed nubs under-neigh the switch. (carefully not to break them). Clean it out and check the action.


Aftermarkets need the same inspection, but when they arrive from order.


But if your battery/ignition switch was off? it might be something easier.
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Old 08-28-2018, 09:54 PM   #6
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Default Re: Foot starter suddenly won’t work??

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Think Tinker was joking about the ignition switch, but just to be clear, the ignition switch is just that, on/off for the ignition. The starter switch is hot all the time as are the light circuits.
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Old 08-28-2018, 09:55 PM   #7
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Default Re: Foot starter suddenly won’t work??

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Originally Posted by draggin49 View Post
My 32 roadster has been fine ,never had issues with foot starter. Ran to the bank. Car fired up normally when I left . Get out the bank push the button and it won’t start, push the foot button and absolutely nothin happens.i was in the bank for only a minute , battery was not on had it in the off position.ideas?

maybe not what you meant to write?
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Old 08-28-2018, 10:05 PM   #8
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Default Re: Foot starter suddenly won’t work??

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maybe not what you meant to write?
He may be referring to a cutoff switch on the battery.
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Old 08-28-2018, 10:10 PM   #9
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He may be referring to a cutoff switch on the battery.



Which means the foot starter switch is good. CONFUSING

Last edited by Tinker; 08-28-2018 at 10:20 PM.
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Old 08-28-2018, 10:27 PM   #10
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Default Re: Foot starter suddenly won’t work??

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Originally Posted by JSeery View Post
Think Tinker was joking about the ignition switch, but just to be clear, the ignition switch is just that, on/off for the ignition. The starter switch is hot all the time as are the light circuits.

I wasn't joking. But yes, you can turn over the vehicle without the ignition on. It won't fire though.


Good catch and point!


I'm Still confused by the thread name and problem rundown. Guess it's turn you battery switch on when starting? ha ha

Last edited by Tinker; 08-28-2018 at 10:41 PM.
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Old 08-29-2018, 06:25 AM   #11
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Default Re: Foot starter suddenly won’t work??

I just rebuilt the original foot starter for my 35..... it was pretty well corroded in there... i sanded and polished all surfaces before reassembling. wasn't a bad job to do.
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Old 08-29-2018, 08:33 AM   #12
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Default Re: Foot starter suddenly won’t work??

When this happens to me, the first thing I do is clean up and tighten my battery terminals. This has been the problem many times, not only on my cars, but farm machinery also.
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Old 08-29-2018, 10:24 AM   #13
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Default Re: Foot starter suddenly won’t work??

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Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens View Post
The good news is that you can start them with the crank.

Charlie Stephens
Has anybody ever actually started a V8 with the crank? I actually tried to start my '35 coupe with a crank when I was 18 and in pretty good shape, but never even got a pop before I wore out.
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Old 08-29-2018, 02:17 PM   #14
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Has anybody ever actually started a V8 with the crank? I actually tried to start my '35 coupe with a crank when I was 18 and in pretty good shape, but never even got a pop before I wore out.
I occasionally start my 1940 truck with the crank just for fun. I am surprised at how easily it starts - 1/4 turn and off it goes. My ignition, wires, and all electrical system is in top notch shape. I might add that I have not done it when it was not warmed up, though.
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