Working on a 1950 with original 216 engine (rebuilt years ago). I'm having trouble getting to the bottom of a sudden won't turn over issue. All of the wiring was replaced with a reproduction, original-style harness several years ago. Starter had been replaced around the same time with a rebuilt one from Napa.
The truck had been starting and running fine for years, then suddenly wouldn't turn over.
I knew the 6V battery was getting old and hadn't been holding a charge well. So I figured the battery was the issue. I replaced that and it didn't help.
Then started trying to diagnose the issue and I'm stumped. I've removed and cleaned all wiring connections to the battery and starter. It's using the correct style (hefty gauge battery cables).
Using a meter, I can see that I'm getting 6.3V at the starter switch. I've removed and checked the switch to ensure the plunger is contacting correctly and all seems fine.
After seemingly eliminating all the battery and cable issues, I figured the issue must be the starter itself. I swapped that with another newly rebuilt one. Still nothing. No sounds or movement from the starter.
I even removed the starter plunger switch and tried to apply direct positive battery cable directly to the copper post on top of the starter (with switch removed). Still nothing.
For the life of me, I'm stumped.
I could be wrong, but I don't think anything in the ignition circuit would be affecting this. I mean (prior to this issue) the starter would fire even with the ignition off, which I think is correct. If it matters, with the ignition ON the positive terminal on the coil shows 5.5V.
What am I missing here?
Thanks in advance.
