Page 22 of the 2008 version of the MTFCA book, Repairing and Restoring the Model T Electrical System, shows a method of checking the starter field coils.
That test produced lots of sparks, but no compass pointing.
A closer inspection noted that those two wire leads are soldered together in the case and provide a dead short across the battery.
Should they both be soldered together there or is the drawing incorrect on where to apply the battery terminals?
Those wires are fed from the brushes that contact the armature so when running it is not a dead short. When not running the cutout opens and keeps the current from flowing. Not a mistake.
Rich
Richard, the wires are for the starter, the cutout is on the generator.
The wires are fed from the starter terminal on the other or top end.
Did you make the drawing?
Do you really understand how it works?
Sorry for the feeble attempt to help. I thought the experts would have jumped in by now. The current still goes through the commutator on the armature and thus through the windings. The others will chime in when they can.
No, I don't know how it works. Kind of like magic I believe.
Rich
Richard, please accept my apology!
You were more correct than I was as that diagram is actually a generator picture.
Perhaps it was labeled starter field coils and put in the starter repair section to trick us all.
Reading the fine print notes the one lead attaches to the Third Brush.
There are only two leads in the starter field coils that require a brush attachment.
That was a great clue that I overlooked.
The starter leads are supposed to be soldered together.
The starter field coils have a lot less resistance and were designed to draw more current.
They will certainly do so, if 6 volts is attached to the starter power terminal and either pig tail lead.
No problem here. We are indebted to those of you who understand the mysteries of electrical components. Some of us just struggle but try to help when we can
Rich