Kaiser Frazer Owners Club Forum

General Category => Kaiser Forum => Topic started by: shawn_and_his_kaiser on July 04, 2016, 04:13:10 PM

Title: Starting the engine
Post by: shawn_and_his_kaiser on July 04, 2016, 04:13:10 PM

My 1951 Kaiser Special is a really hard and slow start, not to mention the negative battery cable gets really hot. Ideas? Suggestions? Is there anything I can add or do differently? Most of the electrical components under the hood have been replaced already. All original otherwise.
Thank you in advance,
Shawn

Title: Re: Starting the engine
Post by: kfnut on July 04, 2016, 05:36:48 PM

Make sure you have good heavy gauge battery cables . Good , clean and tight connections on those cables . Don't forget the motor to body ground cable . Have your starter cleaned and serviced by a good starter shop . I had the same issue with a 47 Studebaker M16 truck a couple of years ago . When doing all the above , I thought I had a 12 volt system it started so fast .

Title: Re: Starting the engine
Post by: dpledger on July 04, 2016, 09:54:44 PM

Agree with above- hot cable means high current draw or high resistance somewhere. Make sure you have cables made for 6 volt systems- those designed for later 12 volt ones don't have the current carrying capacity. could be a short in starter, but I'd bet on the cable.

Title: Re: Starting the engine
Post by: shawn_and_his_kaiser on July 05, 2016, 11:50:07 AM

I cleaned out the starter and the generator, new brushes. The black cable appears newer, replaced the ground. Nothing... Currently turns over, no start. Hot black cable still.

Title: Re: Starting the engine
Post by: kfnut on July 06, 2016, 06:10:30 AM

Sounds like your " Black cable " is too small . Get a heavy gauge cable at a tractor or large truck supply place .

Title: Re: Starting the engine
Post by: Bobm90 on July 06, 2016, 09:05:54 AM

I agree I had the same cranking problems with my 54, Someone replaced the cables with ones designed for 12 volts, 6 volt systems require a larger  gauge cable, mine came from Rock auto and now it spins and starts fast with no hot battery cables.

Title: Re: Starting the engine
Post by: shawn_and_his_kaiser on July 06, 2016, 11:38:30 AM

Awesome... I really appreciate this! I'll update you on the progress.

Title: Re: Starting the engine
Post by: Terry T on July 06, 2016, 01:43:05 PM

goto your local tractor supply stores, eg., TSC

old tractors were 6 volt and many positive ground--- strap is sized accordingly

Title: Re: Starting the engine
Post by: shawn_and_his_kaiser on July 11, 2016, 07:47:38 AM

I ordered 2 new, correct battery cables.. Going to be cleaning out the sediment bulb and fuel filter soon. Hopefully this will help, currently still won't start. I've been having trouble with the fuel side of things since I changed out the fuel pump, but it's been running since. Not sure really... Running out of things to replace under the hood.

Title: Re: Starting the engine
Post by: Vagabond Russ on July 11, 2016, 09:01:24 PM

Quote from: shawn_and_his_kaiser on July 11, 2016, 07:47:38 AM

I ordered 2 new, correct battery cables.. Going to be cleaning out the sediment bulb and fuel filter soon. Hopefully this will help, currently still won't start. I've been having trouble with the fuel side of things since I changed out the fuel pump, but it's been running since. Not sure really... Running out of things to replace under the hood.

Six volt systems should use #1 gauge cables.  Be sure to clean the battery post and cable connections with a wire brush.