Puzzling 1952 m38 won't Start

joebuck · Post by **joebuck** » Sat Sep 16, 2017 12:41 pm

Replaced both batteries with brand new ones and STill the positive post closet to steering wheel does NOT read 24 volts. All other posts read correct voltage. This cable looks in great shape but could cable be "dead". ?

Post by **wesk** » Sat Sep 16, 2017 12:56 pm

The voltage at that post can vary anywhere between 23 and 28 volts. Exactly what is the voltage reading there?

If it is in the range I posted then you are fine.

If it is significantly make sure you have the batteries connected in SERIES as indicate in my battery illustration above. Starting with front battery 1 - Negative to ground. 2 - Positive to the negative post of the rear battery. 3 - Positive of the rear battery to the starter switch terminal.

If series is correct then I would re-investigate grounds and cable end terminals. One of those six connections is not doing their job.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Sat Sep 16, 2017 2:37 pm

Man, a couple of photos would sure be helpful.

m3a1 · Post by **m3a1** » Sat Sep 16, 2017 3:06 pm

A cable can be "dead". Electricity runs over the outside of the wires in your cable, not through them, which is why a badly corroded cable can be bad. That said, it is normally the ends of the cable which are the culprit owing to the fact that they are most exposed to the elements. If you have a cable that is attached to a replacement terminal clamp DO check that. That is a VERY likely place for failure to occur.

Basics, basics, basics. All this chatter about breakers and all sorts is, in my humble opinion, misdirection. You have an easy place to work the problem from. The circuit to the starter is dirt simple so work that first. From what I've read it sounds like you have some sort of voltmeter. So, check that simple starter circuit first. EVERY connection, in order. Where does the power stop? Find that and you've found your problem.

And remember, when you hear hoofbeats...don't start looking for Zebras.

joebuck · Post by **joebuck** » Sun Sep 17, 2017 7:53 pm

I can't thank everyone enough for hanging in there with me and trying to help me solve this problem. Upon my second inspection and post cleaning. I cross threaded the starter post. I threw in the towel. I have taken the ole girl to a mechanic I know will find the problem and copied him this link. I'll report back to you what he found out to be the problem. Thanks again

https://i.imgur.com/PBcZSRz.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/DdxooGp.jpg

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Sun Sep 17, 2017 9:40 pm

Well good luck.

And be sure and fix that grommet in the second photo.

The cable rubbing on the firewall can't end up with anything good.

Take care,

m3a1 · Post by **m3a1** » Mon Sep 18, 2017 9:03 pm

That cable rubbing on the firewall might BE the problem!

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Tue Sep 19, 2017 6:05 am

That SHOULD be the speedometer cable.

Still, it needs to be addressed.

joebuck · Post by **joebuck** » Mon Sep 25, 2017 1:51 pm

Problem fixed!.....................it brings me great humiliation to disclose the culprit to my "dead" jeep...........if i am banned a lifetime from this board ...well i understand

..............it's embarrassing to disclose but i have too because thats the way this board works and rightfully so. here it is...............

The battery closet to headlights was in BACKWARDS!!!!!!!!!!

I do not have a clue how... but it was.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Mon Sep 25, 2017 2:53 pm

Good news is you have two spare batteries!

Post by **wesk** » Mon Sep 25, 2017 3:12 pm

So this photo I posted Sep 15th wasn't any help?

I am referring to the red + and the Green - minus signs!

With that battery backwards the posts would have been closer to the windshield then the hood.

joebuck · Post by **joebuck** » Mon Sep 25, 2017 4:10 pm

yes Wes , it would have been huge to recheck that . Thinking the batteries were switched since I last drove it the weekend before was furtherest thing from mind. Still confused. Who, why , when ???
??

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Mon Sep 25, 2017 7:41 pm

This was the deer lease, right?

Someone else on it with you?

With a dead battery?

joebuck · Post by **joebuck** » Tue Sep 26, 2017 8:07 am

camp prankster! that Side by Side Japanese rice burners are a jealous bunch of rolling nostalgia!

Yes!! Brian two more spare trolling motors

Post by **wesk** » Tue Sep 26, 2017 9:04 am

That was truly a dumbass prank. They could have burned your jeep down.