Starter bench tester

[Woody23]

I finally finished up my Model T starter bench tester. It took a bit but I was holding out for a 1000 amp shunt and found a supplier.

This tester allows the starter to be securely mounted on the rigid frame.

I have two voltage meters to measure the battery as well as the starter voltage, there is a Ford spec for this as well as the amp draw.

Free spinning RPM test should be around 4000 RPM drawing around 75-80 A, any higher and something is dragging in the starter or mid-aligned bearings or bent shaft. I measure RPM’s with a digital photo tachometer.

Max torque is 13 ft-lbs with the starter drawing 580 A and voltage drop on starter 3v. For this test I welding a foot ling piece of drill rod to an old bendix and found an antique brass 0-25 lb scale that really firs the part.

I did opt for a solenoid verses a starter switch more for convenience than any other reason.

This really speeds up troubleshooting and takes the guess work out of diagnosing starter issues.

Special thanks to Ron Patterson. I spoke with him a few years ago about his method of testing and he was gracious to spend some time to explain his method. Thanks Ron!

The 1000 A shunt and second Voltage meter were additions and just add a bit more data, but what a great tool to have this really helped my rebuilding process.

I also posted a few videos of the starter in action on Facebook under Williamston T Works.

David

[Moxie26]

Woody 23... That's a quality digital tachometer, I use the same to set the RPMs on my windup phonographs.

[Dan McEachern]

Wow- nice job! One suggestion - you might want to move the torque arm connection point from the end of the starter shaft like it is in your picture closer to the support bearing on the starter snout. It would be a shame to bend a starter shaft, and they bend pretty easily.

[Dan Hatch]

Here is a picture of mine.

Picked it up years ago at Hershey in the Bluefield.
It is the reason you go to Hershey, to find things like this.

[Brent Mize]

I have two of the FB Testers shown by Dan.
I would like to sell them.
Both need reassembled and have new bench’s made exactly like the originals.
Message me if you’re interested.
Great job David woods on your starter tester!
Thanks
Brent
The Coil Doctor

[Woody23]

Thanks Dan, I do have a bendix assembly on the shaft which supports the nose. This would be the same configuration used in the car minus the gear, which one could say it adds support since it’s against the ring gear. If I moved it I would have to find another way to secure the foot long rod for the torque test.

I can ways measure the shaft before and after to ensure it isn’t bending. I have had about half a doz on it and so far does not appear to be an issue but will monitor, thanks.

I could tell from your photo how you are supporting the shaft so interested in more detail.

Thanks

David