49 cub not starting

[maxdietter]

Hey everyone. I have a 49 cub that started great cold. Drove for about 10 minutes and shut down to do some yard work. Went to start it back up an hour later and nothing. Battery is charged, voltmeter reading 12.5 and checked starter which is at 12. I have converted from 6 to 12v but have the 6v starter I just do short cranks. Does anyone have any suggestions on further diagnosis? At this point I feel the best course is to replace the solenoid and see what happens then

[MiCarl]

If you're reading 12V at the starter the problem isn't the solenoid. Has it even got a solenoid, or just the switch on top of the starter?

Anyhow, if you've got 12V at the starter it indicates the switch, starter ground, or starter itself.

[Scrivet]

If you still have the original starter and switch arrangement I would start with removing the switch from the starter. Two small screws and you can take a look at it. There are several threads about them but basically inside is the head of the bolt the cable bolts to and a moveable wedge (moves when you press the button by pulling the starter rod) and a nub sticking up out of the starter. The wedge electrically connects the bolt head to the nub on the starter sending voltage into the starter. If any one of those four surfaces that touch aren't clean and bright it can keep the voltage from passing. Also keep in mind the bolt is insulated from the switch case, the wedge should have insulators on each side to keep it from rubbing/shorting to the inside of the switch case when it moves, and the numb is insulated from the starter housing.

[staninlowerAL]

........started great cold. Drove for about 10 minutes and shut down to do some yard work. Went to start it back up an hour later and nothing. ...........

Does this mean no sound/clicks/anything at all? Check all the electrical connections both hot and ground at the battery and the starter as well as the starter mounting to the frame. Bright, shiny clean. If you have bolt clamp connections at the battery, dis-assemble and clean the clamps and wire ends. Remove and clean the starter switch internally and clean the post on the starter itself.
EDIT: Scrivet types faster than I can.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

Did you install a solenoid when you converted to 12 volts? They did not originally come with one, just the switch on top of the starter. Have you checked if the engine can be turned by hand? When the starter drive and the flywheel ring gear become worn the starter will sometimes jam in the teeth and not turn, which locks the engine from turning. If that is the case loosen each starter bolt about one round, and with the ignition off put it in 3rd and rock the rear wheels till you see the fan move a little. then put everything back to normal.

[maxdietter]

engine does turn by hand. it does not have a solenoid, just the starter switch. I have the original switch which i think is a Delco. #1919578. I think what might be happening is that the copper square in the switch is not making contact with the nub on the top of the starter. Unfortunately I have yet to figure out what I can use to replace the old switch. I will update soon

[staninlowerAL]

Replacement switch is available, try auto parts or forum sponsors.

[maxdietter]

just found one at napa for 16 bucks, itll be here in 3 or 4 days

[Glen]

Hi,
Cubs sometimes won't work because the cable connections are dirty, and power won't go through them.
Try cleaning all 4 of the battery cable ends, sand them, and where they connect to, wipe off all sanding with a clean rag. Use fine sandpaper.
Disconnect the ground first, and leave it disconnected until last, so you don't short the hot cable.