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Electrical problems

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Falkon

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Hello my good friends. Iv been gone for a while because iv been working on starting college and other things. But now that im back and have had tome to work on my midget. Iv come across an electrical problem that i just cant solve.

I started getting the rest of my engine back together in order to start it for the first time, coolant system, carbs, gas lines and vacuum lines etc. Hooked up the battery turned the key and noticed that the starter was turning but not engaging. It dint sound like it was turning fast enough to engage into the flywheel. Then i noticed smoke coming out from the accelerator cable :eeek: . I then disconnected the accelerator cable and found the starter didn't even have enough power to turn. Reconnecting it to the carbs and it got hot again but the starter got enough power to turn. I traced the cable back and didn't find any loose wires touching it. Iv looked all over the car and haven't found any shorts or grounds, also took the starter out to have it tested and its still performing like new. Maybe im missing something but im stuck at this point. :wall:
 
Falkon,
It sounds like you are grounding your starter thru the accelerator cable. Check and see if you have the heavy ground cable between the car body and the transmission. If you don't you won't get enough 'juice' to the starter.
Rut
 
Rut said:
Falkon,
It sounds like you are grounding your starter thru the accelerator cable. Check and see if you have the heavy ground cable between the car body and the transmission. If you don't you won't get enough 'juice' to the starter.
Rut
Click to expand...

X2.
 
Typical symptom of a missing ground cable.

There us a a threaded bolt hole in one chassis leg alongside the transmission. Originally, you would have had a heavy braided cable attached from the frame to the engine/transmission, but anywhere between the engine and chassid will do, but you need a cable at least as heavy as the battery cable.
 
You guys are right. I had forgotten about the ground cable under the car that i disconnected when i removed the engine last 2 plus years ago. Apparently just forgot to reconnect it. Now it turns surprisingly well. Next step, getting it started!

THANKS
 
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