The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay 1949 3100 start problem.

Was going to take old blue for ride to see how new springs feel but I get nothing from the starter.checked all connections, cleaned ends but starter does nothing. It is the foot stomper. Have power to the switch on top of starter but nothing happens when you push the button? Could that be bad? Thanks. Grady.

MAKE SURE THE TRUCK IS OUT OF GEAR!!!!

Try pressing down on the button with a screwdriver or some small lever. If that makes the starter spin, the contacts in the switch are not moving far enough when you "stomp" it. Some people have been known to put a bottle cap on top of the switch button to use as a "shim" until the new switch arrive.


Or, the starter could be bad. Starters often complain a bit before they die completely.

I tried that but it did nothing. I'm removing the switch now to see what it looks like.

The copper lugs in the switch are probably not making contact with the copper lug on the starter. Try operating the switch with a large screwdriver or a tire iron and see if any sparks come from under the switch. If I needed to buy a new one, I would get one from Steiner's Tractor. Better quality repro than the typical offshore auto stuff. They answer the phone and are cheerful and want to help. They also have Delco style points that are all metal. Reasonable, too.

Got switch removed. Looked a little wore. Lug on starter was dirty so I cleaned it. Putting battery in now. See what happens. Thanks Jethro for info on Steiners.

Well, I still have same problem. Starter does nothing. Guess I'll have to get new switch.

Clean the battery cable connections- - - - -both positive and negative cable clamps. Take the clamps off- - - -don't just clean the outside of them. Scrub both battery posts with a wire brush, and scrape the inside of the cable clamps down to bright metal. That simple procedure has fixed at least half of the "no crank" complaints I've encountered, at least for the 65 years I've been doing it. Voltage at the starter doesn't mean the connections can flow enough currewnt to turn the starter motor.
Jerry

Anyone who has enough mechanical savvy to pump his own gas needs one of these.

I've had mine since around 1970.

I've got one of them terminal cleaners. Went and got new battery. The test at parts store tested old one and it was bad. Fully charged, but bad. Going to get new switch Monday and put it back together then see what happens. How do things just not work after just sitting? Its crazy. Thanks for all the replies. Will update when I get new switch.

Just sitting is the primary source of problems with any car. Electrical components are one of the worst for corroding, rusting, etc. while sitting. Humidity is the enemy.

Don't forget to check and clean the frame/engine block end of the ground cable. The connections at both ends of both cables need to be good for a complete circuit.
Jerry

Got her started! Not really sure what the issue might have been. New battery,cleaning all ends of cables, or cleaning the build up of dirt under the starter switch on the starter lug? At any rate, it starts! Now for a test drive later on this evening. Thanks all for the replies.

That’s great GradyB! When you do the test drive, take a pic or 3 and post them in the Stovebolt driving report !