8n motor/ignition problem

Drifter27 · Aug 14, 2020

Hello, first post here.

I have a 1952 8n that this summer started acting up again
I can run it long enough to get whatever implement im wanting to use hooked up and then it flat dies. No putter, it doesn't give any warning it just dies like I turned it off. When I try to restart it it doesn't turn over at all, it doesn't even click. I can let it sit and start it but it isnt long before the same thing happens.

The key switch is a year old but from the, should I replace that again? Thanks

old · Aug 14, 2020

If when it dies it doesn't spin over good chance you have battery cable connection problems and maybe even a charging system problem

Janicholson · Aug 14, 2020

Old is on to it. If there is no click, the starting system is not functioning. This means the battery is disconnecting from the remainder of the
electrical components, shutting it off. Use a test light to trace electricity with the light grounded, the pointed end should find voltage all the way
to the Key, and to the starter. Some of the Fords have starter relays (solenoids) that are grounded to engage, and later are given bat volts to engage.
I wager it is the cables and their connections at fault. Jim

Steve@Advance · Aug 14, 2020

You have an intermittent open connection.

Could be a bad battery cable, corroded or loose up inside one of the ends, or a loose connection, could be about any where.

Have a test light ready when it quits. You need some way to put a load on the system, if it has working lights, turn the lights on, leave the ignition on.

Start checking at the battery posts, the posts themselves, not the cable ends. Then start systematically moving one end of the test light at a time until you find the voltage drop.

It might be difficult to find, as the connection could reconnect before you get done testing. Just remember where you left off so you're not testing what you already have.

A word of caution, the problem may be internal of the battery, a broken connection which can be arcing inside the battery. If the battery tests 0v or barely lights the test light, be careful, it could explode if the arcing continues.

8n motor/ignition problem

Drifter27

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old

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Janicholson

Well-known Member

Steve@Advance

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