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Discussion Topic:
Starter switch?
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trjford8 |
08-11-2026 @ 7:25 AM
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Senior
Posts: 4405
Joined: Oct 2009
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If you have the stock style ground cable(the woven one) they can be the problem. Have seen that more than once.
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40 Coupe |
08-11-2026 @ 4:55 AM
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Senior
Posts: 1848
Joined: Oct 2009
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The replacement starter foot switches can not hold up to long periods of cranking. They develop excessive heat inside and fail. Disconnect the battery and place an ohmeter across the switch and operate.
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pauls39coupe |
08-10-2026 @ 11:04 AM
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Member
Posts: 262
Joined: Jul 2014
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All too often the battery terminal ends develop a bit of corrosion. They should look bright and shinney inside and the posts should look the same. Check for rust or corrosion on the starter end of the cable too. The ground cable seems to be the problem more often then not. A slight gray haze on the battery post/cable end, is enough to keep the starter from operating but may still allow the lights to work.
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kirkstad |
08-05-2026 @ 11:09 AM
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Member
Posts: 206
Joined: Jul 2017
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Thank you 51504bat and trjford8. I didn't rock the car, but I did turn the motor over a number if times with the hand crank. I'll try and jump across the switch and see what happens. Thanks again gentlemen.
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trjford8 |
08-05-2026 @ 8:40 AM
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Senior
Posts: 4405
Joined: Oct 2009
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If the starter is not stuck check the starter switch. If it's a reproduction switch it may be bad. Some of those are cheaply made and the evidence of a past solenoid indicates a prior owner had trouble also.
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51504bat |
08-05-2026 @ 6:36 AM
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Member
Posts: 392
Joined: Apr 2020
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Possibly the starter is stuck in the ring gear. Put the car in 3rd and rock it back and forth. If the starter is stuck you should feel it pop out allowing you to then crank the engine using the starter.
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kirkstad |
08-05-2026 @ 5:58 AM
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Member
Posts: 206
Joined: Jul 2017
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I would appreciate any comments or help. I have been trying to get my 36 started after it had been sitting for over a year. I finally got it started after adding a little gas in the the carb, but it took a lot of cranking. When I came out to start the car the next day, it won't turn over at all. The battery is new and fully charged and all the lights, horn etc. are working fine. I have checked all the electrical connections especially at the starter switch while my wife was pushing down on the switch. Could it be a bad switch? I did check the connection at the starter. When I first got the car many years ago, it had a starter solenoid like the later years but I wanted it original, and I have never had a problem until now. Thank you. Frank
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