VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 32 Engine won't start

My starter was recently rebuilt (Filling Station), new, charged battery. I turn the key and depress the starter button- absolute silence. What can I look for next please? Thanks, Carlyle Note- no battery post corrosion.

Do the headlights and brake lights work? If they do not I suggest you take a good look at the ground circuit.

Do you have a volt-ohm meter ? If so, check for voltage at the main post on the starter. Then disconnect the battery and check for continuity across the starter switch.

Did a whole bunch of parts get painted recently? For example, did the mounting face of the starter and the corresponding surface on the engine get painted? If so, the starter body might not be grounded to the engine.

since it is a direct connection...
and you have power at the battery

try to start using your hand to engage the starter switch. push it in see if it engages and starter spins
yes - pedal may not be fully engaging switch
no - switch may not be engaging or defective or button on starter not connected internally

check to ensure you have power at the starter connection (volt meter positive to post on starter switch then negative to clean metal ground NOT BATTERY TERMINAL)
yes power there then check starter switch to make sure it is engaging the terminal on the starter, had an issue where switch was not engaging

if switch is engaging i would remove starter and put on bench in a vise !!, remove the starter switch, and use jumper cables to test starter, negative from battery negative to housing on starter (clean area) then positive from battery positive and touch other end to button on starter see if it kicks and spins.

The horns and lights stopped working - shortly after the engine wouldn't start. I will look at the ground circuit first. Thank you.

The engine now starts; I worked on the ground circuit. Next is lights and horns. Thank you. Carlyle