The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay a random wire without a home

The solution might be easier than it sounds. On my '51 3600, picture the terminal on the starter where the battery powers in. There is another wire bundle connecting to this terminal that goes into the cab. in addition to this, there is a wire that is part of that bundle from the cab, but it has been disconnected (from somewhere). I can't tell if it is supposed to be connected to the starter terminal like everything else. Any thoughts? thanks,

follow up --- is it possible that this is supposed to connect with the plus terminal on the coil? If so, looks like previous owner may have run a separate wire. Just wanted to be sure.

John,

From previous threads it appears your truck is still 6 volts. I think the only wire to the coil is from the key. Whatever wire would come from the battery terminal on the starter would be to power something on the truck...is it a big thick wire...or a skinny one.

Are there any funny add-on fuse holders or things like spot lights that came with your rig?

Stuart

Hi Stuart,
Thanks for tuning in to the ongoing investigation! There are no add-ons on the truck. I think that loose wire was originally from ignition switch to coil, as you say. It seems someone ran a new wire separately from switch to coil, and just let the old one dangle, so I think that problem is solved. However, I still seem to have an electrical flow issue. The main power line from battery goes to starter, then ammeter, then ignition switch, then coil. When I hook up the 6 volt and push the start peddle, the starter cranks but I don't see a draw on the ammeter. Should I? Coil, plugs, distributer cap, rotor and wires have all been replaced. I also tried jumping the ignition switch in case it was faulty, but no difference.

I'm about to really study the circuitry diagram from the manual, but am I correct in thinking that the power flow is battery-starter-ammeter-ignition switch-coil-distributer-plugs-ground? Is there anything else that could interfere? Thanks a 'mil,

John,

There isn't a wiring diagram that I can find for a '51 online. I don't think you will see any measured draw on the ammeter when you mash the starter...the meter needs to be between the battery and the load.

Your wiring flow is correct. Most loads come off the ammeter and it gets it power from the battery (or generator).

To be honest, I am not sure what the problem is you are trying to solve. I thought you trying to get this rig running after many years of retirement.

Stuart

Stuart,
Okay, you're probably right --- I was overthinking it and just assuming that juice wasn't getting through to the plugs. I should just reinstall the carb now and run a gas line to it, and see if it starts. The 12 volt battery cranks the engine real nice, but the new 6 volt I bought is very lame. It might be discharged. The wiring diagram I used is part of the online Chevy manual:
http://chevy.tocmp.com/1948_51truckshop/51ctsm1202.htm