VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc 1933 Chevy Master won't start

Ever since I returned from the national, my 1933 Chevy Master will not start. I have replaced the battery with a new one and charged it up. The starter does not turn. I swapped the starter for one from my friends 31 and it does not turn the engine. Took the plugs out and the engine turns freely. Held my finger over the plug ports and I do get pressure. Also used a battery jumper to boost the amps but nothing happens. Any suggestions at what to look at next?

Check the starter switch located on top of the starter.It is held on by 2 screws.Mine broke internally and the engine wouldn't start.There is a brass contact in the switch that might have broken.As soon as you remove the switch,you will see it if that's the problem.The brass contact transfers power from the positive battery cable(mounted to the top of the switch) to a post coming through the starter when you press the start switch with your foot.

Sorry,I missed the part where you swapped starters,my bad.

Check your ground connection. Does it connect to the frame or the transmssion? Also recheck the battery terminals and cable ends.

To expand on what Uncle Ed said, I would strongly suspect high resistance in one of your battery connections. I recommend that you completely remove both the lead between battery and starter and the ground strap from the car. Clean both up with a wire brush on both ends, check for corrosion or poor connection between the cable and the terminals, clean up the attachment points to the car, and reinstall.

Hope that helps.

All the Best, Chip

Chip said what I meant, but he said it a lot better!

Thanks guys. I'll check the connections out this weekend. I hope it is something that easy that I overlooked I'll let you know what happens.

i had a simular thing happen found the ground strap at the battery terminal was not attached correctly found it by feeling .put on a new strap worked like new hope this helps

The original style woven wire ground battery cables often will corrode where the woven part is attached to the terminal ends, it is very hard to detect on the old ones.

Update to my post. This week end I cleaned all the battery terminals, checked the ground connection and the ground strap (which is only 3 yrs old.) Connections were good, ground strap tested good for continueity. Even cleaned the battery terminals and posts. Starter motor turned a few times but stopped when the battery got low on juice. Am recharging the battery now. Battery was only just purchased in August 2011. Could the battery not be putting out enough cranking amperage or the coil not sending enough curent through or there be an electrolock problem?? Going crazy!

You could have a defective battery. Take it to a place that can load test it.

When I had my engine overhauled, the mechanic put in what he thought was a good battery. It wsa a 6v deep cycle battery, great for golf carts and travel trailers. Like yous, it would turn over once or twice and quit. I replaced it with the correct automotive battery and everything works great.

ArtM