VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Afraid to ask about battery but....

I did use the search and found an Optima red top mentioned along with other topics like 8v vs 6, etc...
-What battery do you recommend?
-Starter no longer turns even though hooked up to battery tender.
-The tech told be the voltage is correct,but amperage is low indicating battery is at half life. My concern is buying new battery only to find another issue.
I am open to suggestions and answers.
Thank you,
Mike A
38 Town Sedan

Jump it with a 12 volt to be sure the starter turns. Only crank it for a few seconds-10-15 at most.

used to run 12v with a 6v starter .. used to go like the clappers..
If the battery has been tested and has dead cells then job 1 is replace.. I always overcompensate when I buy a car battery. more CCA's never hurts as long as it still fits under the floor .. direct jump the starter with another battery is a very good start .. cold weather is always tough on batteries also ..

Ollie

Steve,
The engine turned, but became increasingly weak until it turned no more. I think the fellow at shop said the battery was at 4.2 amps
Mike

battery time

I think he meant 4.2 volts and yes it sounds like it's time for a new battery.

It's definitely time for a new battery!

Make sure your cable connections are clean. If the voltage is still too low and it won't crank it's likely the battery.

If sure it is the battery, I recommend tossing the Optima. Buy a best of the line regular six-volt. I like the Interstate best.

Charlie

That is my option. The best Interstate.

I would try recharging the battery before condemning it...I f is flat it will show reduced volts.
Tony

Not sure if this mean much, but was using a batter tender for a few months and noticed early on that the charging light would go out(I assumed fully charged), but lately the light remains on over a weeks time. I will try the, "jump with 12 volt battery" to see if it spins, but I do suspect the battery is nearly dead.
Mike A

Jumped with 12 volts and it barely turned. Any suggestions?
Starter?
Thank you
Mike

If you are confident that the cables are okay then starter is highly suspect.

I would think that the cable connections would have to be really bad to get a fail with the 12 volt test.

I would remove the battery and charge it for at least 24 hours and let it sit a day or two out of the car to see if it holds a charge. Also it may be good to bench test the starter or have it checked by a professional shop. You can check the date code on the battery and if it's 5 or 6 years old even if the starter is the problem I would still get a new battery. It sounds like your starter is shorting out and draining the battery.

I agree that is less likely that bad cable connection with a 12 volt jump but happens. It is worth a try to clean both ends of cables and check starter bolts to be sure of good ground. Only costs a little time and effort. Other options cost real money.

Ok, i will keep it simple and start with the cable, next starter, etc...
Thank you,
Mike A

There is a thread on "Battery Life" in the "6 Volts" section; tells how to recondition your battery. Whatever other problems you have here, it sounds like the battery needs reconditioning or replacement.

May be the battery or the cables or the starter.

Battery - We already talked about that.

Cables - That too. You may want to go to Tractor Supply and get a good ground strap and a good heavy 6-volt cable.

Starter - It may be dragging or the brushes bad.

a. Get a set of brushes. (I think NAPA can get you all the parts you need)
b. Clean the comutator using sand paper or if you have a big enough drill with a file.
c. Check for conuitniity from the comutator to the ridges on the armature.
d. Check that the ridges on the armature are not dragging against the fields. If so install new bushings in both ends of the starter.
e. Install the brushes and try it again.

Good luck,
Charlie

One thing that has not been mentioned is to ensure that all connections to ground are good.

In addition to cleaning the chassis ground spot with emery cloth, I put a star lock washer in between my ground cable and the chassis to ensure it 'bites' in and provides a good electrical connection.

Cheers, Dean

A little off topic, but on International Harvesters, you would loose your ground on running lights, etc. Every year, to bad grounds...All Harvester mechanics knew it...Star washers are a good idea...

Thank you all with the great advice. I was hoping I could overhaul/refresh my starter and it gives me a chance to paint and clean up everything. I will keep you all posted and of course check all of the connections and grounds. Simple, but fundamental.
Mike A

Rustoholic and Kevin47,

Yes, I forgot to mention a clean contact surface. Good points. And the Star washer, as well.

Charlie

Jumping with 12 volts was always a last resort for me, and when I did it, I jumped directly to the starter rather than to the battery. If you do that and it still drags, you know it's the starter.