car won't start

[Deleted User]
[Deleted User]
edited November -1 in HUDSON
I took my Hudson for a ride, stopping at several stores, parked it in my driveway and a few hours tried to start, but it wouldn't. All I heard was a chick, and the power would shut down then come back a few seconds later.

I cleaned all battery and ground connections but still wouldn't start. I thought it might be the starter, but when I tested the replacement it didn't move. What I did was conncet the battery ground to the side of the starter and plus side to the starter bolt, but nothing except a spark. Is this the right way to test, or did I do it wrong. When I put power to the solonoid it clicks, but I wonder if it is ok? I tried a new solonoid with the same results, it was not attached to the inner fender, does it have to be? Is it possible there is some other electrical problem I don't see, or is it just the starter. I will take the starter in tommorrow to be re-built and wonder if the spare was not re-built properly. Any ideas? Where should I look? It makes me worry when I tried the starter and the solonoid went click and power went down. My Hudson has been converted to 12v with an alternator, so I realize 6v starters won't last as long, I've already had one shroud break. Any help would be appreciated.

Comments

  • junkcarfann
    junkcarfann Expert Adviser
    It would be helpful if we knew what year your Hudson is, and what engine it has.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    You heard a "chick" did you? What was she saying? Sorry, I couldn't resist that. :D As far as your problem is concerned, it sounds like a circuit breaker is tripping and resetting. If you connected the battery (-) to the side of the starter and the (+) side to the bolt, I assume you mean the terminal on the starter? Anyway, that would be connecting it backwards. Again, this assumes your car is still positive ground. If it's negative ground, you did the right thing. Regardless of whether a a starter is 12 or 6 volts, they take a lot of power to spin and the connections must be solid. Although the solenoid will function if it's not attached to the inner fender, it shouldn't be left to float around and possibly short circuit. Why not take your starters to a local franchised auto parts store that can test them for free. Finally, why are you using a 6 volt starter if your car was converted to 12 volts?
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    It is most liikely that the starter has jammed in to the wrong side of the ring gear tooth, and thus locked up. Try putting the car in top gear, and rocking the car back and forth, with emphasis on the backwards movement, as this will turn the engine over backwards and thus unlock the jammed starter. I am assuming that this is a manual transmission. If it is automatic , you will have to remove the starter. Unfortunatley one of the side effects of converting to 12 volts is shortened life of starter bendix drives, and flywheel ring gear teeth.

    Geoff.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Sorry my hudson is a 1952 Hornet with a 1954 308. I pulled the old starter, and will take it to rebuilers today. If I could find a 12v starter or convert starter to 12v that would be ok with me, but don't know if that is an option.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Per suggestion of JON B I will continus the old thread, sorry I didn't know it would be better to continue old thread. Anyway I know I am repeating:

    I had a problem with my starter, it would just kick in the solonoid and nothing. the power would drop to nothing then a few minutes later it would come back, so i had lights, etc, but same thing happened when i tried to start car. I had the starter re-built and bench-tested. I re-installed starter and same thing happens. I have cleaned all contacts to frame, battery, and starter. Is this problem caused by a bad solonoid, or is the 30 amp fuse to blame? I will get a new fuse today and replace, but would like to know where else to check just in case, or is it a short? This engine is a 1954 308 converted to 12v with alternator. I would appreciate any and all help, thank you in advance.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I hesitate to even ask this but have You checked the Battery? Sounds like you may have a weak or dead cell.
    Bob
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I believe that BJ is spot on... take the battery to someone who can load test it ... or just check each cell. There may be a dead cell or a broken internal shorting bar... in any case eliminate the battery FIRST.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    If your battery has removeable cell caps, pull them off and have someone 'lean' on the starter while you watch the cells. If any cell bubbles under load, you have a dead cell. Simple & quick check!
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I should have known, years ago when this happened (like back in the 60's), you just knew it was battery or solonoid. I replaced the battery and starts and runs fantastic. The excersize of cleaning the battery contacts and rebuilding the starters was not a lost effort, it probably about time for the starters (yes 2 one as a spare). thanks for the help I always appreciate your efforts.
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