Starter Check

[Woody Branham]

I want to test the starter on my p11 without pulling it. Using jumpers. what do I connect to where bypassing the ignition switch? Woody

[Norm's Coupe]

Just stick a screwdriver between the two post on the starter. Starter should turn over.

[Don Coatney]

Just stick a screwdriver between the two post on the starter. Starter should turn over.

Norm;

My starter only has one "post"?

[Norm's Coupe]

Norm;

My starter only has one "post"?

Oops, you got short changed.

Forgot, the solenoid isn't in the starter on our cars. In that case, just jump the solenoid and he'll get the same results. Another way is to hook it up to one of these.

[anthonyb]

Woody,

If it's an original 41 starter, just push the large lever on top of the starter until it depresses the button switch on top of the starter. The ignition has nothing to do with the starter itself. The ignition switch just provides power to the coil.

If your starter looks like the one Don posted, I can't help you with it.

[1948Skip]

Norm's Coupe,

I like your engine analyzer. I have a Sears that I purchased back in the early Sixties. Works good and comes in handy when working on my P-15.

Skip

[greg g]

Well on my 46, the starter will not engage without have the key in the on position. You can press the button till the cows come home. I don't know about the earlier ones. but usually if you power the starter, and ground to the block it will spin it may not engage if the drive is manual where you need to push it down with your foot. So using jumper cables you would go positive to engine block, negative to post on starter or to the end of the battery cable attached to the starter.

[Reg Evans]

If all is stock on your 41 you can remove this manual switch on top of the starter and attach a jumper cable from the neg battery terminal to the contact on the starter. If it spins the manual switch is at fault. If not the starter is.

[Norm's Coupe]

Norm's Coupe,

I like your engine analyzer. I have a Sears that I purchased back in the early Sixties. Works good and comes in handy when working on my P-15.

Skip

I like them too. Helps eliminate a lot of guess work. Before I got this one I only had one that worked on 12 volts. Found the Sears Penske on Ebay a few years ago. Works on 6 or 12 volts. Got it for $17 including the shipping. Was able to get a copy of the instruction booklet from a POC member here in Wisconsin (thanks again Ken). Works great.

[Woody Branham]

My starter on the p11 is original. There is no battery or cables on it. I was thinking about using jumper cables on it just to see if it turns. Positive ground of course, Do I attach the negative to the starter and the positive to ground???

[anthonyb]

The Negative cable goes to the stud on the back of the switch that Reg posted and the Positive goes to ground. Depress that switch and you should be off and running (presuming the starter is good).

[Woody Branham]

Thanks, I will try this weekend.

[Reg Evans]

Wait !!!! Over time the contact on the manual switch gets so dirty or so pitted that it doesn't complete the circuit any more. If you bypass that switch and make direct contact with the copper contact under that switch you'll know if the starter motor is still functioning.

The Negative cable goes to the stud on the back of the switch that Reg posted and the Positive goes to ground. Depress that switch and you should be off and running (presuming the starter is good).

[Woody Branham]

Switch is already off, I picked up another one onebay recently

[Woody Branham]

Connected the jumpers as mentioned. Starter whurrs but does not turn the engine. I can't get to the upper bolt to yank it out. Can't find my S-shaped 5/8 wrench that I used on my DeSoto. My 5/8 box wrench is not long enough and not enouhg room and to much in the way to lock another to it. Any suggestions?????? Woody

[Jim Yergin]

Woody,

The starter on my '41 P12 has to be manually engaged (foot pedal) in order to turn over the engine. Otherwise, if you just make the electrical connection like you did, the starter will only spin but not engage the engine.

Jim Yergin