Classic/Antique Car Repair: diagnosing a 1934 flat-head v8 electrical starting system, battery cables, starter button

Question
Hi Tazz

I was wondering if you could start me in the right direction. I stumbled on to your web site while looking for answers to my car problem.

I have a 1934 Ford five window coupe with an all original flat head V8 engine and it's been running fine up until about 2 weeks ago, when it wouldn't start.

When I pushed the starter button it just clicked, and that was it, no cranking or nothing.
So right off the bat I assumed it was the battery so I but a Volt meter to the battery and it registered at 6.2 Volts which I assumed is good for a one year old 6 Volt battery?

But then I didn't know where to go from there, considering I'm not proficient at electrical systems ... especially a 73 year old one. I'm assuming that I need to check the starter button, then the starter, and possibly the distributor... But I'm not sure what or how I should be testing them.

I'm assuming the button should be tested with an Ohm meter for resistance ??? and if so should the contacts be opened or closed when testing...and I'm not sure about anything with the starter at all.

I'd bring it in for you to look at but # 1 I don't have a trailer to tow it yet and # 2 I'm all the way down in Florida.

Any advice you might be able to give me would be extremely welcomed & appreciated... Even if it's another web site to go check out.

Thank You,
Kyle

Answer
The starter button activiates a solenoid that drives the starter. It sounds sinply like your solenoid is out.

Other posibilies include the battery cables themselves, usually the ground. It could be the starter, but it is easily bench tested by putting voltage directly to the post and see if it spins.

Under no circumstances could the distributor be your problem, it is a totally different system.

You might also want to read my answer to Bob on his 48 Ford Coupe in my previous answers