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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / weak starter

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Discussion Topic: weak starter

fenbach

09-09-2026 @ 8:25 PM

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Posts: 240
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The starter on my '36 won't begin to turn the engine. It runs fine on the bench with no load.
Any thought on what to look for?
Thanks.

ford38v8

09-09-2026 @ 9:16 PM

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Ranked in order of probability:
Bad starter switch.
Poor electrical connections.
Paint on the mounting plate.
Cables meant for 12 volts.
Dead battery.

Alan

fenbach

09-09-2026 @ 10:11 PM

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Thanks Alan. But it’s none of those. A couple brushes are worn down a lot. I’ll try new ones.
The resistance of the coils to ground is infinite - they aren’t shorted to ground.
The resistance of the 2 coils in series is 0. Could that be right?? They obviously aren’t open.

voced

09-10-2026 @ 4:56 AM

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I had the same problem on my 36 Cabriolet. I changed everything including buying a brand new reproduction starter,
It turned out to be the new starter. I rebuilt the original starter and it turns over like a new car. Jerry

TomO

09-10-2026 @ 5:49 PM

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If the brushes are worn, it is likely that the bushings could also be worn. Look for an automotive electric service that rebuilds starters near you and have yours completely rebuilt. But if you enjoy the job of installing and removing the starter, you can try new brushes.

Tom

ford38v8

09-10-2026 @ 7:45 PM

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Oh, yes. I remember one starter motor replacement job… Ran the right front wheel up on the curb and jacked it up higher for access from underneath. I replaced that Grand Auto starter 3 times to get one that didn’t set up a loud clatter while cranking. Then I discovered I had jacked it up so cockeyed it twisted the frame and the clatter was the fan hitting the radiator.

Alan

TomO

09-13-2026 @ 5:07 PM

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Alan, I never had that problem, but I remember installing a rebuilt starter that would not turn over my engine when the engine was hot, and removing it to have the rebuilder fix it 3 times until he asked if I had a good 12volt battery. Then I saw the 12V stamped on the side of the housing and apologized to the rebuilder.

Tom

trjford8

09-14-2026 @ 9:30 AM

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Tom O, great story and got my laugh for the morning. We've all had those moments.

40 Coupe

09-15-2026 @ 6:09 AM

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New starter brushes are typically short in length much shorter than the generator.

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