I have a 26 TT and motor. Rebuilding it into a firetruck. Started it about a month ago for first time and drove it around a bit to check it out and noticed carburator leaking so spent the last few weeks tracking down the problem which I solved by changing carburators. NOW: Went to start it after carburator problems and turned over a few times tried to start and starter went dead. I decided it was a starter switch and changed to new switch from Lang's. Again it turned over a couple of times and noticed the starter was getting hot and that the post was loose. After attempting to fix the post, it pulled completely out and I decided the original problem must be a bad starter. So I installed a "new" rebuilt starter. AGAIN: It immediately turned over a couple of times and tried to start but died. When I pushed the starter button, it was completely dead. New starter button, new rebuilt starter and all wires with good ground. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks
Bad connection someplace between the battery and starter??
Maybe your rebuilt starter is not so "new". Remove the band and look inside with a light. Everything should be shinny and new. If you see any taped leads, get your money back.
I'd look for a bad connection. Make sure you're not using 12v (small) cables. I remember some time back there was a lot of complaining about the low quality of the repro starter switches.
Add a ground from starter mounting bolt to frame and see if that doesn't help.
Sure sounds like a case of dirty battery connections. Remove the battery cables and make sure the lead surfaces between the clamp and the post itself are all shiny. You can clean the inside of a battery cable best by using a sharp pocket knife.
Battery cables for 6 volt need to be the right diameter. You should have "00" wire size cables for 6 volts. Typical 12 volt cables are 2 guage wire which is too small.
Thanks - I will try all the suggestions. One more comment: Can I test the starter by touching the hot wire direct from the battery to see if the starter turns over?
How's the battery?
Fred
Yes you can test the battery with direct leads to the starter (Ground And Pos.) one thing also to check is that the starter bolts are tight and it creates a good ground to the hogshead. Had that happen one time.
Bob
The starter switch can certainly be bad. Personally, I NEVER run a starter switch without running a solenoid as well. Coming from an electronics background, a solenoid to me is always a good idea. It takes the load off of the starter button and will essentially allow it to last forever.