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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 28
S
'Bolter
'Bolter
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 28
I just bought a 53 GMC 1 Ton 4 speed 5 window. I had trouble starting it when I bought it but I was able to drive it home over 50 miles. It has been sitting for a week and now I can't start it. The starter sounds like its cranking very slowly but just won't turn over. I am heading to the store to get a new battery but wanted to know if anyone had any other advice. The Truck is still on a 6v sytem, I don't know any more than that yet.

I was also thinking about rebuilding the starter motor. Does anyone have links or videos on that?

Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,388
M
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,388
Before you rebuild the starter, or buy a battery, why not

clean the battery cables,

check to see if they are large enough,

check the frame and starter ground connections,

Charge the battery,

and check to see if the truck starts, and then, if the truck charges.



Christopher
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Joined: Dec 2012
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'Bolter
'Bolter
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 28
Thanks for the suggestions.
I had already cleaned the terminals and connectors. They are very heavy gauge wire too.

I had charged the battery and still had the same problem, plus it does not fit into the battery holder in the floor. The guy I bought it from just pulled one out of his garage and hooked it up. so I need to get a new one anyways.

I haven't checked the starter ground but the Frame ground is good.
Until I can get it started again I won't be able to see if it is charging.

Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,337
P
'Bolter
'Bolter
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,337
As Christopher mentioned, tight connections and proper size battery cables are a must with a 6 volt system.
I have had some that were slow cranking where just tightening the brush connections in the starter fixed the problem.


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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 28
S
'Bolter
'Bolter
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 28
I still can't get her to start. I am going to pull the starter and check the brushes next.

Joined: Dec 2012
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'Bolter
'Bolter
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 28
I finally got her started. I replaced all the cables and clean up the ground contact points. She doesn't start right up but eventually gets going.

It can take 6-10 seconds to turn over and the starter sounds real weak. Sometimes it won't start, I have to try 2 or 3 times. Should it just turn right over?

I am guessing I need to pull the starter and look at. What do you guys think?


Moderated by  Phak1, Woogeroo 

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