‘55 Ford 800 Starter Problem

[EdGallop]

I tried to start my ‘55 Ford 800 today and heard a popping noise. It wouldn’t continue turning over after that. Dead as a door nail. The switch and starter button checks out okay. Had it converted to 12 volt about 25 to 30 years ago and was working great yesterday. I’m 85 and things come slower to me than it did 10 years ago. Thought someone could save me time by making suggestions.

 

[John P.]

Are all the electrical connections clean and tight?

 

[EdGallop]

Haven’t got that far yet but did shake them a little so doubt any loose connections. Not looking forward to cleaning them all. The popping sound makes me think it’s something else.

Had 800s since childhood. They were my favorite small tractor. This is the last one and it’s in better shape than I am. Most likely it will out live me and my grandkids.

 

[Jim L WA]

We weren't there to hear the popping noise, so that doesn't help much. John P, makes a good point. This time of year is ripe for corroded battery connections or cable ends to show up. Do you have a way of jumping from the hot battery post directly to the starter post? Make sure it's out of gear and key off. I know what you mean by not wanting to get in there and work on it. I'm four years younger than you and find I get lazier all the time.
If it still won't turn over, then I would suspect the starter went South.

 

[showcrop]

Arcing at one of the cable connections. When it arcs due to the heavy load it deposits carbon in the connection, which prevents it from passing current again. Carbon is gray and it can make you think that it is a clean surface. They need to be not just clean but Shiny and clean.

 

[EdGallop]

We weren't there to hear the popping noise, so that doesn't help much. John P, makes a good point. This time of year is ripe for corroded battery connections or cable ends to show up. Do you have a way of jumping from the hot battery post directly to the starter post? Make sure it's out of gear and key off. I know what you mean by not wanting to get in there and work on it. I'm four years younger than you and find I get lazier all the time.
If it still won't turn over, then I would suspect the starter went South.

We weren't there to hear the popping noise, so that doesn't help much. John P, makes a good point. This time of year is ripe for corroded battery connections or cable ends to show up. Do you have a way of jumping from the hot battery post directly to the starter post? Make sure it's out of gear and key off. I know what you mean by not wanting to get in there and work on it. I'm four years younger than you and find I get lazier all the time.
If it still won't turn over, then I would suspect the starter went South.

Thanks. I will try that when I get a chance. I should’ve thought of that.

 

[EdGallop]

Thanks. I should’ve thought of that. I’ll try it when I get the chance.