After first getting my '55 several years ago, I was experiencing hard starting like the battery was weak. I finally eliminated the problems, the major being less than adequate battery cables. A couple of double ought cables with good brass ends crimped on and the ground run directly to the starter cured everything. It spun like you would expect a 12 volt system to spin. As time went on, I began to experience a problem when the engine didn't catch on the first turn. Again, it acted like the battery was weak. When I got to the bottom of the cause, I learned something very important about the 6 volt system. The problem turned out to be corrosion on the terminals of the starter solenoid. Would you believe it? Cleaned the terminals, installed copper washers and new lock washers along with new nuts and we are again as good as new. So,,,,, it seems that with a 6 volt system, clean, tight connections are mandatory as are good stout battery cables. End of lesson 2657.
- posted
16 years ago