Starter problems

[jkogden]

Bill, thanks for all of the information on the cables. I will check the current lengths and figure out the different end fittings I need to buy some new cables.  Thanks again Jim

[Bill Davis]

jk, 

I just looked at the website from your link.  Yes, that is the correct one.  Now when you order
the ground cable, measure the hole on the terminal where it attaches to the block.  It might be
larger than the holes for the starter and starter solenoid.

[Bill Davis]

jk,

I found the invoice.  I thought I was right.  You choose the size, length and color of the wire
you want.  Then, you choose the terminals you want put on each end of the wire.  The wire from
the starter solenoid to the starter is item # S4/0BK-16IN-56-56.  Description is a 16 inch,
black, 0000 gauge wire with 5/16 (M8) ends.  From the battery to the starter solenoid, I used
the same wire, with a 5/16 (M8) terminal on one end and a "top post negative" terminal at the
other end - Item # S4/0BK-12IN-NEG-56.  If I had it to do over, I think I would lengthen both
cables by 2 inches, as I had to do a bit of finagling/footwork to get these cables in place.
I have not yet ordered the ground cable (battery + to block).  It is a 0 gauge.  I think the
cables I replaced were 2 gauge.  Good luck.

[Bill Davis]

jk,

Yes.  Battery Cables USA is where I bought my cables.  Let me research this.
I thought I just ordered the lengths I wanted with the ends already attached.

[jkogden]

Bill Davis, Killen,AL
can you let me know of a supplier you used to buy the battery cables.
I found this web site but want to make sure I get the correct cables for my 1949 Plymouth Special Deluxe
Thank you
Jim Ogden

https://www.batterycablesusa.com/0000-gauge-4-0-copper-flexible-rubber-with-ends?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw1NK4BhAwEiwAVUHPUPXrM49Gx1EUJRlegH2UnDNOQdIP1x1ufnFk9G-os_j1YWDOB6aAfBoC_-EQAvD_BwE

[Peteriv]

Thanks to everyone. I upgraded the starter cable to an 0 and it started the car immediately.
Great help. The ground cable was already big.
Regards
Peteriv

[GR8 48]

Hi Peter --

Just a suggestion here for you.  Had same problems with my 31 and 48 Chevys.  For me, the best thing that I did was to take the + cable from block (if still + ground) and move it to a bolt at the starter.  That way you lose all resistance going through block and frame grounds and take it directly to starter.  Made a remarkable difference in starter speed and ease of starting.  On the chevys, they were negative ground v/s positive ground on my Plymouth.  Good luck!!  Also added a 6 volt one wire alternator on both chevys and have one coming for my 48 Plymouth.  Than they crank like 12 volts would.

Jim.

[Bill Davis]

I have 0000 cables on my car and it spins over pretty fast.  If you wish to know a supplier, give me a shout. 

[TodFitch]

It would not surprise me if 12v sized battery cables are currently installed. Properly sized cables may well fix it.

[Peteriv]

Hello,
I'm new to the forum so please bear with me. I have a 40 woody with a later 218 engine in it. It doesn't crank well. The starter was rebuilt 2 years ago but doesn't work well. Does anyone make a 6 volt gear drive starter?  It runs well when it runs but it doesn't crank well. I really don't want to convert to 12 volts. I'm going to put new, big cables on and double check all grounds but if someone makes a razoo starter, I'm a buyer.
Thank you.
Peter