Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks


Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 63
TXWagon Offline OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
OP Offline
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 63
Hello. I’m attempting to get my dad’s ‘30 Truck started and I need a nudge to help me understand why the starter barely spins on a fresh 6 volt battery.

I have removed the starter and have it on the bench. When l jump it with 12 volts from my modern Truck the starter spins hard and fast. When I jump with a 6 volt battery ( purchased this morning) it spins slowly for maybe 10 seconds and then stops.

The new battery measures 6 volts with a digital multi meter.

I hollered up to Heaven to ask dad what to do next but he hasn’t answered yet. So I figured I would give you guys a shout. HA!

Thanks,
Jeff
(Dandy D’s boy)

Last edited by TXWagon; 01/27/18 01:59 PM.

1930 Roadster Delivery
1966 Chevy II 100 Series Station Wagon
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,756
Likes: 62
ChatMaster - 15,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,756
Likes: 62
Jeff,
Your description sounds like resistance between battery and starter. Quite often it is in the ground path between the negative cable and the starter mount on the clutch housing. Make sure that everything is clean and bright. You might get a clue if you put your multi meter on resistance and measure the path to the battery. Battery cable size and ends (both) are very often the major problem. Be sure you have minimum 2 ga (available at Tractor Supply) cables. Larger cables are better but I have found the Tractor Supply cables work well on my 6 volt cars and trucks. You can get a longer negative cable and hook it to one of the starter attaching bolts and eliminate several other connections.


How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,472
Likes: 26
ChatMaster - 7,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,472
Likes: 26
Even though the 6 volt battery is new it should be well charged before using. I believe the fully charged reading should be around 6.75.

Last edited by m006840; 01/27/18 03:08 PM.

Steve D
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 63
TXWagon Offline OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
OP Offline
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 63
Thanks for those suggestions. Both make sense to me and I will give them go.


1930 Roadster Delivery
1966 Chevy II 100 Series Station Wagon
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,847
Tech Advisor
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
Tech Advisor
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,847
Also, make sure that there is no paint between the flange on the starter nose cone and the mating face on the bell housing. It should be bare metal to bare metal. And, keep in mind that the starter may need to be rebuilt as well.

laugh wink beer2


The Mangy Old Mutt

"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 41
ChatMaster - 6,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 6,000
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 41
Jeff did mention that the starter was on the bench. I would suggest that while it is there pull it down and clean the internals especially the brushes and commutators and all accessible connections. Over the years of inactivity the surfaces oxidize and dont conduct like they used to, it is amazing what a difference a piece of emery paper will make.
When you put it back on make sure all connections from battery back to battery are clean and tight.
Tony


1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,756
Likes: 62
ChatMaster - 15,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,756
Likes: 62
Great suggestions TonyW


How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,472
Likes: 26
ChatMaster - 7,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,472
Likes: 26
I like all of Tonyw's suggestions except using emery paper to polish the commutator. Emery paper contains metal (aluminum oxide) and if not completely cleaned out can cause problems as it's conductive. Garnet paper or other non conductive abrasive paper is a safer option.


Steve D
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,847
Tech Advisor
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
Tech Advisor
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,847
I agree. Also, there is a special "emery type" of paper that is made for cleaning armature commutators that is non-conductive and that is what should be used instead of regular emery paper.

laugh wink beer2


The Mangy Old Mutt

"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 63
TXWagon Offline OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
OP Offline
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 63
Thanks to all for your suggestions. It will be a week or so before I get back to this project. I have the battery on a trickle charger so it should have a full charge when I’m able to get back to it.


1930 Roadster Delivery
1966 Chevy II 100 Series Station Wagon
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 193
Shade Tree Mechanic
Offline
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 193
I am curious as to the "rest of the story". Let us know.

Bob


"When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground".
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 63
TXWagon Offline OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
OP Offline
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 63
I wasn’t able to put any time to this today. (Rats!). Hope to get back to it next Saturday.


1930 Roadster Delivery
1966 Chevy II 100 Series Station Wagon
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 63
TXWagon Offline OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
OP Offline
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 63
Good news. Dad’s ”˜30 started and ran well today. The new battery needed a full charge (7.1 volts on my DMM), and took time to make certain the battery cables were in good condition. Rerouted the ground cable from the top of the transmission to top starter attachment bolt. Wire brushed the cable terminals to bright shine and added star washers between terminals and their mounting points.

Thanks to all for your replies. They were all helpful.


1930 Roadster Delivery
1966 Chevy II 100 Series Station Wagon
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 41
ChatMaster - 6,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 6,000
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 41
Good to hear you had a win. With 6volt electrics everything needs to be very clean.
Tony


1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire

Link Copied to Clipboard
Support The VCCA!

Enjoy the forum? Become a VCCA member! The World's Best Chevrolet and GMC Club!


Member Photos
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
by DreamChevy, February 17
My 1933 Chevy 2 Dr. Sedan
My 1933 Chevy 2 Dr. Sedan
by 1939Chevy1, November 24
Back on the road 79 years later
2 1927 Chevrolet Trucks
2 1927 Chevrolet Trucks
by 1927TRUCKS, June 7
Who's Online Now
3 members (kaygee, beachbum, 1 invisible), 77 guests, and 17 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
NeilA, Jayhicks, Tomvanhouten, Dads29Chevy, Tractorman
18,308 Registered Users
Today's Birthdays
aristech, RalphL, tonysk
Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics59,071
Posts429,061
Members18,308
Most Online1,133
Jan 22nd, 2020
 

Notice: Any comments posted herein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the VCCA.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5