The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Help in Florida - 1959 Apache Starting Problem (Dead)

Take the battery cables off, and connect the jumpers directly to the battery posts. Then repeat the starter bench test that way.
Jerry

Well did we get it runnin not?

Probably- - - -it was really a simple fix.
Jerry

Nope. Had an emergency project to address. Defense contractor and seems that always something needing priority attention. Back at it today. Just got home.

Back on it today finally. Been doing base installations and have had no time. Hopefully I can make some progress...

Still nothing. Replaced the battery and cables to starter. Sanded down the negative wire attachment to bare metal on frame and also on the ground from starter lug to frame. Lights work fine, and Fluke is showing battery at 12.45V DC. Like the starter is dead or toasty. Guess I have to pull the starter and bring down to shop to test. Getting ridiculous. This is the 2nd replacement starter. Offer still stands to pay anyone in or around Tampa or Orlando or wherever to come help me work on this truck, diagnose the parts and getting running properly. Will pay time plus travel

Saint,

Jerry is correct!! As a past factory trained Cadillac electrical technician, I learned to ALWAYS check the grounds and fuses before jumping in on a major operation. Jumping to conclusions without testing leads to unneeded parts replacements and cash out of your pocket. As far as the possibility of two starters being bad, I would not be surprised. Where did you get the starters? Are they rebuilt, remanufactured or new? I have always had the best luck with NAPA when it comes to electrical parts. Are you sure your ignition switch is working in the start position? I have had ignition switches come apart inside or wear through the contacts. Key turns fine but no fire. Just another possibility to look at. Did the newest starter bench test ok? Electrical is not easy to diagnose over the phone or e-mail or texting. Can't tell you how many times people have asked me diagnose on the phone, or listen to a noise over the phone. The last guy that asked me to listen to an engine noise over the phone and tell him what was wrong with his Jeep Cherokee led to the answer..."You've got a loose nut behind the wheel." After I said it, I thought it might be offensive, but the guy had a good sense of humor and LOL. After I looked at the Jeep "in person", it turned out to be a bad belt tensioner. Replaced the tensioner , idler pulley and serpentine belt. All was well.

Tim

Ordered them from Classic Parts of America. What is the best source for reliable starters for these vehicles?????? Had problems before with Classic Parts. Doesn't say if rebuilt, but the fact that they charged me $125.00 core charge would lead me to believe that it was another rebuild. (CORE CHARGE 53-641C APPLIES ($125), NEED ORIGINAL CORE TO REBUILD)

Charged me $159.95 for the starter and $125.00 core charge. 2 bad starters so far.

Cannot even get starter to spin or make any noise. Not talking about firing the engine. Just zero...

Saint, these starters are not rare. You should be able to get them locally without having to order outside. NAPA seems to have quality products plus there is usually an old timer somewhere in the place who knows how to test the parts. As with all parts houses their return policy on electrical parts has a lot of hoops to go through. Deal locally so you can talk to someone face to face.

Go back a re-read HRL's posts and follow his testing process 1 at a time until the solution pops up. Good luck.

Thanks. I will have my starter rebuilt since it was my dad's truck and it has the original GM part number on the starter. Pretty cool.

Box one or both starters up and send them to me - - - -a USPS large flat rate box is about $18.00 and it's got a 70 pound weight limit. You really don't want to see the road service call from middle Tennessee I'd have to charge. I guarantee I can send you back a working starter for considerably less than the prices you're quoting.

I'll be in Tallahassee, working on modifying a custom grist mill sifter I designed and built in a couple of weeks. If you've still got a problem by then let's talk.
Jerry

Saint,

Another suggestion...
If you want to rebuild the original starter with the number tag on it give Ken Warner a call at Classic Generator. I rebuilt the starter on my 1949 and Ken was very helpful with advice and parts. His number is (817)473-1448. Website Classicgenerator.com

Tim