Farmall H Won't Start.

Anonymous-0 · Jun 3, 2010

Ok, bought a 1944 H with original 6 volt system, Positive ground. When i looked at the battery it was backwards(negatively grounded). I tested and replaced the voltage regulator. Got a new battery, but it still wont start with out pulling it and catching it in gear. Any thoughts? Also the ammeter gets hot when i use it. Not scorching but it warms up and so does the generator. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks -Keith

Pete76NY · Jun 4, 2010

might need to polarize the gen and VR

Tom Fleming · Jun 4, 2010

First thing, is this a magneto or distributor ignition? If a distributor, check that the coil is properly wired. current flow direction through the coil is important. If someone made it negative ground, then it is possible that they changed the coil polarity also.

Anonymous-0 · Jun 4, 2010

It has a distributor, and I have polarized the generator. Also when i put the battery on charge the needle is spiking and the highest level(number of hours to charge.)

mkirsch · Jun 4, 2010

What do you mean by "won't start?"

A lot of people interpret that to mean the starter will roll the engine over, but the engine won't fire.

Other people interpret that to mean that the engine won't even roll over with the starter. Normally, though, you should describe this condition as "won't turn over," not "won't start."

Which is it?

Quietwind · Jun 4, 2010

Been a while but info I can provide should be correct; trying to recall the exact process I used to follow that was successful...lol(usually)

1)Battery should be removed and completely (fully discharged), then and only then charge battery insuring correct polarity. Do not reconnect battery yet!

2)Disconnect generator, voltage regulator, and ignition (discharge any residual charge), then check and connect circuits insuring correct polarity.

3) Connect battery insuring correct polarity and polarize generator and regulator!

If I remember the polarity test correct you could test polarity monitoring direction of igniton arc using a pencil attached to a spark plug lead! If the igniton arced from the block side to the pencil it was reverse polarity. More I think about it I would hand crank the engine no battery monitoring ignition arc to check polarity before making connections!

Red Mist · Jun 4, 2010

(quoted from post at 05:13:23 06/04/10) What do you mean by "won't start?"

A lot of people interpret that to mean the starter will roll the engine over, but the engine won't fire.

Other people interpret that to mean that the engine won't even roll over with the starter. Normally, though, you should describe this condition as "won't turn over," not "won't start."

Which is it?

hat is a good point, mkirsch. Down South "crank" means the starter turns the engine over. "Crank up" means the starter turns the engine over and then it runs. I love it!
mike

Anonymous-0 · Jun 4, 2010

What i mean is that there doesn't seem to be enough juice to turn the engine over from the battery. The ammeter is staying at an average of +15. And after running it for over an hour straight probably closer to 2 or 3, after i shut it off i only get one little turn from the starter when i press the ignition. Its maybe a .5 to 1 second burst. Then it wont do anything after.

Red Mist · Jun 4, 2010

Sounds to me like you need clean, or new, battery cables, as short as possible and hooked to a good battery. If that don't do it, then you need to have the starter rebuilt or replaced. That is my advice, but what do I know????
mike

El Toro · Jun 4, 2010

You should check your battery's voltage while a helper makes an attempt to start the engine. Your voltage may be dropping too low for your ignition while cranking if you have a distributor. Since it will start by towing you're not dropping the battery voltage when its towed. I would check the battery's specific gravity using a hydrometer after being charged. Should be in the 1.260 range and all 6 cells should read close to one another.

You need 00 battery cables and don't have them any longer than necessary. Solder the lugs. Clean all surfaces nice and shiny. That includes where your battery is grounded and make sure all connections are tight. Hal

Janicholson · Jun 4, 2010

I believe this is the answer you should go with. Wimpy battery cables are historically an issue with 6v systems. 00 gauge cables have wire (not the plastic insulation) about the size of your little finger. It can take 400 amps to turn an engine at 6V, so Kmart cables are not going to make it. (do not discharge that new battery and recharge it)
If it still will not turn the engine it is either a very weak battery, or has a bad cell (it is possible for a new battery to be bad!!!!! Jim

Farmall H Won't Start.

Anonymous-0

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Pete76NY

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Tom Fleming

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Anonymous-0

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mkirsch

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Quietwind

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Red Mist

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Anonymous-0

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Red Mist

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El Toro

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Janicholson

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