Can a bad starter cause a short?

Read Follow Ups Post Follow Up Model-A Ford Message Board FAQ

Posted by Tom Berry on Jul. 01, 2009 at 09:49:07

Last Fall before it got too cold, I tried to start my Model A but after a couple of cranks the starter wouldn't turn over any more -just silence when you pressed the starter pedal. I decided that since much of the wiring was rather haphazard, that I would completely rewire the car with new wiring, which I have done. I also took the starter switch off of the starter and replaced the insulator inside, cleaned it up, and put it back on the car. I'm now finished with the wiring but have been nervous about connecting the battery because of the lack of fuses. I checked and rechecked the wiring using a my Model A manual, a wiring diagram, and a multimeter. When I first connected the battery, I had not yet attached the ammeter in the instrument panel to the wiring harness. Everything seemed fine, no spark when I attached the negative terminal to the battery (yes, I have the battery positively grounded to the frame). I disconnected the battery and connected the ammeter terminals (properly), then installed the instrument panel. When I connected the battery, I got a spark and some sizzling noise. I disconnected very quickly. I plan on troubleshooting this by disconnecting everything, particularly the lights and working from the battery outward, connecting things as I go to see where I begin to get a spark. One possibility is that the starter is shot and causing a ground short. Another possibility is the headlight connection in the steering wheel column. I was a bit confused about how you can tell if that is installed properly. It may be 180 degrees out. Any suggestions for likely spots to check or techniques to troubleshoot would be very welcome. Thanks, Tom

Previous PageE-Mail Comment to WebmasterPost New MessagePrint MessageClose Window

Follow Ups: Re: Can a bad starter cause a short? Bruce Adams Jul. 03, 2009 at 21:28:50 (0) lets see now kenny Wink smithville mo Jul. 02, 2009 at 10:05:31 (0) If the starter was "shorting".... Axeman Jul. 01, 2009 at 19:45:06 (0) Re: Can a bad starter cause a short? Tim Stephens Jul. 01, 2009 at 13:34:39 (1) Re: Can a bad starter cause a short? Michael in Sedona Jul. 02, 2009 at 13:09:14 (0) Light switch Tom Phillips Jul. 01, 2009 at 11:36:01 (0) Re: Can a bad starter cause a short? John Glenn Jul. 01, 2009 at 11:24:51 (0)

Post a Follow Up Message:

Your Name:      (Required)

Your E-Mail Address:      (Required)

Remember your Name and E-mail Address?

Subject of your Comment:       (Required)

Enter Your Message Below:      (Required)

Web Site Link URL    (Your homepage maybe!!!)
(must end in "/" or ".htm" or ".html" or ".shtml")

The above Links Title:

If you have a picture place image URL here:
(must end in ".gif" or ".jpg" with no spaces)

Read Follow Ups Post Follow Up Model-A Ford Message Board FAQ

Previous PageE-Mail Comment to WebmasterPost New MessagePrint MessageClose Window

© 1996-2007, Ahooga.Com

Anti Spam