6v starting issues.

[Old-Soul]

Yeah, I know... the main reason it starts hard is 'cause it's a six volt :rolleyes:

BUT

since I AM leaving it 6v, I'd like some help with a few things.

Since I bought it early last year, my car always started fairly hard...I have been very carefull as to how long I turn it over for, so as to not kill my battery etc. Sometimes, it starts first try and very smooth, other times it takes a bit to fire.

In the past few weeks, she had been starting harder then usual...and I damn near got stranded in the gas station parking lot (always good to have a spare battery, isn't it?) so I figured my brushes in the starter were worn out, and that would be robbing my plugs of the much-needed spark. When my generator started squeeking, I decided it was time to pull them both and have them rebuilt.

I took them to Choice Auto here in Red Deer (A+ service, I might add.) and had them rebuilt, and installed them last night.

SO, I'm sure you are all asking 'What is this long-winded bastard getting at?'

It starts better, much better, but still I know there is room to improve. I have quite a few friends running 6v, and their cars fire up first time every time. Whats my next step? Other areas I can improve, make sure I have it starting as affectvely as possible?

Like many others, I HATE electrical systems... so please, take it easy on me and speak slowly :confused:

[CDNflatlander]

Do you have manual choke? Experience with how much fuel yer girl wants at the time of start up can help....especialy if you have her tuned for milage. The obvious, good plugs and gapped correctly.....points, coil all in the best of shape.
Another key point you lead into with knowing the value of robbed spark....is all the wiring in great shape (limited connections, no black tape repairs).
Looking forward to seeing the car!
Greg.

[Old-Soul]

I'm going to go pickup a gap tool tonight (damned if I know where mine went) and check the plugs (brand new plugs last fall) and as far as I know the wiring is 'ok' (it's original...so I bet theres some questionable connections somewhere)

it's automatic choke.

I'm about town, I drive it everywhere as long as I have an excuse (Only the slushes @ the other end of town will do!)

[stovbolt]

proper points and point gap are esential to those old systems spark plug wires and condenser are next then cap and rotor and coil as long as they'er in good shape and the distributer bushings are not too loose you should be fine I've seen some people go with the 12 volt start and the 6 volt run but could be tricky cause if you have lights on for too long they tend to burn out quickly

[grumper]

I don't have much experience with 6v but the one's I have worked on that had starting issues were corrected with a new condenser.

grumper

[Old-Soul]

seems to me it's turning over much to slowly, so I'm going to start @ the starter and work my way back, make sure I have good cables, connections and my battery isn't crapping out

[Aero46Chevy]

Fencepost. you need to make sure you have the right size wire for your starter. Being 6v it calls for a larger wire. When doing a 6v I always use 400amp welding cable. Make sure your connections are good and clean. Don't rely on the engine block for a ground thru to the starter. Run a ground all of it's own. Timing is also essential. Too advanced and it means slow start when she's hot. The battery cables you would buy for a 12v just don't cut it.

Good luck. Aero

[Old-Soul]

so my plans to stop by the local jobber store have been dashed by Aero... haha, where can I nab some of this heavier guaged cable?

Thanks for your help guys!

[Scotty]

Not sure of the gauge # of the cable you're after but you can go to any welding supply store during the day. Princess Auto, Peavey Mart, maybe UFA in the evenings.

[sqhd]

Another thing you may have overlooked, what is the voltage stored in the battery? You may want to connect a voltmeter to the battery at rest then fire her up and see what the charging voltage is. I'm not sure what a 6V system should be running, but I'll bet yours is a little too low. You may have to adjust the regulator to correct the problem. I would check with Choice Auto as to what the correct voltages should be before tackling the problem.

Carl

[Old-Soul]

quick question.

tonight I learned that I have terrible spark too boot, and I'm pretty sure my coil is shot. Where can I source a 6v coil? I assume I can go back to Choice, and that they would point me in the correct direction, but I thought I'd ask the CR Experts first

[Scotty]

Fencepost, I would try Ladwig's. I have no firsthand experience, but I've heard many times that they have parts for old cars in stock. Scott

[Old-Soul]

They do.

but they will never get another one of my hard earned dollars if I have anything to say about it.

Thanks tho, it's appreciated

[Old-Soul]

*sigh*

Well, Ladwigs were the only guys in town who had one... so I had to eat my pride on this one.

[Scotty]

That's right, I forgot you had issues with them. It was over some poor engine work, I think. :( Unfortunately, if you need parts for an old car, they will be your best bet.

[tunes]

I have a brand new 6 volt coil. Only had it in use for a week, then decided to change my car over to a 12 volt systyem. PM me if your interested.

[Old-Soul]

I bought one allready, haha, thanks tho

[34ford]

Fencepost:eek:While your at checking things ,A lot overlook the vacume advance . Pop the cap and put a rubber hose long enough that you can suck on and watch the unit move .Then run your tongue over the end and hold it .If it moves its leaking ,.If it holds its ok .If it doesn't move its no good . On a 6volt system its really important as a lot have said timing .Get it right on .Make sure you disconnect the vacume hose at the distributor and plug it when your setting the timing. Get it dead on . Then reconnect your hose . Also make sure your connections are clean and tight .Remove them all and inspect and clean them by wire brushing . Its really important .After its running check the voltage at the battery .It will be around 6.8 volts to 7 volts . Good luck .
Bob:D

[Old-Soul]

it was @ 6.6 if I remember correctly?

never thought about the advance, I'll get right on that thanks.
I have shitty spark still, I put in my new coil, set and cleaned my points.

and the little 'miss' it's had since I rebuilt it is still there.

*sigh*

Admin, could you please change the title of the thread to 'Graham's ongoing problems thread' ?

[Kustomshoebox]

Hey Fencepost... if you make the trip I have some welding cable kicking around .. you can have a few feet... just PM me, I'm "home" all weekend

[49stovebolt]

Fence, have you changed the condensor... If you have gone this far what's one more item.:p

I would also make sure your plug wires and coil wire are in good condition. If they are old replace them you can make your own realitively cheap.

Todd

[Old-Soul]

So far I have:

rebuilt the gen and starter.
replaced my battery cables
cleaned and set my points
new coil

today I'm going to drive it over to Choice and get them to look at the battery they sold me, I'm thinking it may not be holding a charge very well. Someone mentioned have them look at my regulator and make sure it's my battery is charging sufficiantly, so while I'm there I'll get it looked at as well.

[Old-Soul]

Should have my new condenser and points by the end of the afternoon, then it's round...(i've lost track now) of Graham Vs. Car in the mighty Backyard Stadium

[Old-Soul]

F*CK do I ever hate electrical systems!

starts like a sonofabitch now, but doesn't charge itself! Got the new regulator in and still doesnt charge. If I weren't afraid of going bald I'd be pulling my hair our right about now

[Aero46Chevy]

Fencepost. When you installed the regulator did you connect the ground wire to a good clean ground. I've seen this happen more times than not. You can determine which one is at fault Reg./Generator by using a jumper wire to the field terminal on the reg and connect it to ground. If the output on the reg doesn't increase then its probably in your case a low voltage setting on the reg. But in all fairness I would take it to someone who is familar with the system and let them do it. This test may do some serious damage if you aren't familar with this system. Are you sure you have reconnected all the wires properly. That reg should be adjusted to match the output of your generator.
Frankly if electrical is not your thing and you plan on doing alot of cruising I'd be switching it to a 12v system with an alternator. JMO of course.

[Old-Soul]

oh believe me, I'm about an inch from converting it as we speak.

I'm taking it to my electrical guy tomorow, and we'll see what he's go to say.

[Old-Soul]

my electrical guy just called and says he's got it worked out and chargin' like a sonofabitch!

And It wasn't anything I would have ever have figured out on my own, so that makes me feel a little better about the whole thing.

now back to shopping for fancy do-dads :)

[CDNflatlander]

Graham, I sure hope you get an explaination from him....and share it with us 'other' guys here...I am betting there are a few that have been following and thinking the same.
Good to hear your able to put that one behind you; looking forward to seeing your car on the streets.
Greg.