Starter question '41 P-11

[rlovette]

Another setback---the starter pedal engages the switch assembly on top of the starter---but it's not cranking--and the yoke (lever) is also not popping back all of the time. I can get it to pop back in the process of unhooking the negative battery cable. Could it be something as simple as a battery cable not making good contact? Or is it the switch assembly?

[james curl]

It's most likely the switch. Is is made up of two studs that a movable bar connects to take the current to the starter. Quite often people do not get good pressure on the starter pedal and if the contact is not real good the bar burns a little and over time the bar will quite making contact with the two studs.

[rlovette]

Thanks. I'm guessing it's the original (car only has 23-thousand miles--has done a lot of sitting--and things are starting to break down).

[Plymouthy Adams]

disconnect it electrically..then egage the foot operated mechanism..if it still sticks it more than not a mechanical bind or lube problem (rust and dust over the years)..it would take a siezed starter motor to electrically weld the switch contacts

[rlovette]

Thanks Tim--will check again. It seemed to engage and release OK without anything electrical connected. It could stand a good cleaning.

[TodFitch]

Not sure how yours is compared to the one in my 1933 (mine is Delco-Remy, Chrysler switched to using Auto-Lite in 1935), so filter this comment accordingly...

I have had my starter pedal linkage get sticky. Result was not that the engine would not turn over but that it would not disengage the starter after the engine started running. Not a good thing but in my case easily resolved with some lubrication on a couple of pivot points.

NAPA Online shows a starter switch which I think is correct for my car. I suspect that these things might be similar enough over the years that it might also fit yours. Take a look at part number ECH ST11:

1. Go to http://www.napaonline.com/

2. Click on SEARCH NAPA CATALOG using PartsPRO SE

3. Enter ECH ST11 in the box, click the "Part Number" radio button, then click on the search arrow.

[rlovette]

Thanks for the link Tod--it's indeed the same. In fact, according to a master parts list I have covering 1936-42 Plymouths, the switches are all the same. I'll start there and do some cleaning as well.

[rlovette]

Quick update and info: NAPA does have the switch--local store didn't have one in stock--will be here Tuesday afternoon. Gave the contact a good cleaning. Hopefully, it'll at least be cranking again soon--and back to trying to get it started.

[rlovette]

Sorry I haven't posted in a while (work has been pretty busy)---the starter switch (on top of the starter) from NAPA isn't quite wide enough for a '41---won't mount properly. I did give the old switch assembly a good cleaning--and the car is again cranking freely. I've also found a local mechanic (who has overhauled several flatheads)....who's going to look at the car--and start with a compression test.

[desoto1939]

The correct autolite number is starte switch or selinod sw 2813. do you have the switch that has the hole onthe side to send current to the automatic choke? on the front left this might be a smal hole inwhich a srew is used to attach a wire and then it runs over to the sisson automatic choke. I have a couple of these switches if needed. but look on ebay and you will find them also. thsi switch was used from 37-42 and used on Ply,Dodge,Desoto and chrysler.

rich hartung

[rlovette]

No--my starter switch mounts on top of the starter--and is engaged by the lever (arm) from the floor mounted pedal. I did see one on AB's site for $35--for a 35-42 PLY. Also, there's one on e-bay right now--can't tell from the picture if it would be wide enough for my starter.

[cole18cars]

I know this is an old post, but I have a 39 Ply with the screw on the switch for the choke. I don't have or need this electrical connection. My question is, when I replaced the starter switch, there is a copper plate that is connected to the starter lug, seperated by a rubber gasket on top of the starter motor. This copper plate has a little finger that engages this rubber gasket towards the starter switch lug that looks to ground this plate to the starer motor. Is this finger supposed to touch the starter motor housing? I'd hate to fry the starter if this isn't supposed to ground. Thanks

[Robert Horne]

No--my starter switch mounts on top of the starter--and is engaged by the lever (arm) from the floor mounted pedal. I did see one on AB's site for $35--for a 35-42 PLY. Also, there's one on e-bay right now--can't tell from the picture if it would be wide enough for my starter.

On my 1938 Plymouth, I used a soleniod/relay to operate my starter instead of the stock floor operated unit. My starter was from a 1953, but I bought a 1956, 12 volt remanufactured unit, used same relay. My engine is a 36 model. So I have a 56 starter on a 36 engine. Works good.