Possible short?

Kendall · Post by **Kendall** » Sat Nov 24, 2018 3:45 pm

Trying to get my stock 24v 1951 M38 to start. It had been starting fine, but it has set for a few months and now nothing. My batteries are fully charged (and I have 24v to the starter switch) but whenever I hit the foot starter switch the voltmeter pegs to the negative and the stater does nothing. I took the starter off and cleaned the contacts in the switch and "bench tested" the starter and it spins. The engine is not stuck as I can turn it over with the fan and belts.
Any clues on what the problem may be?
Thanks for any assistance.
Kendall

OKCM38CDN · Post by **OKCM38CDN** » Sat Nov 24, 2018 5:49 pm

When measuring your voltage is it 24v or 28v if only 24 then one or both of your batteries are weak... charged batteries should hold 13.8 volts (approx) each this about 27 volts... if the batteries are weak then you will not get enough to spin the starter...

I say this as I have the same problem, I know I need to replace the batteries but do not have the funds to do so at this time...

Pull the lead between the batteries and see if you have one weaker than the other... and go from there... when using a 12v charger I charge one then the other...

Hope this helps...

Kendall · Post by **Kendall** » Sun Dec 23, 2018 4:54 pm

Thanks Hal. As an update I replaced both batteries with new ones from Sams (Merry Christmas to me) and now it starts like it is supposed to.
Kendall

OKCM38CDN · Post by **OKCM38CDN** » Sun Dec 23, 2018 7:24 pm

I did the same thing about a week ago... now to get it ready for storage before the weather really gets bad...