Thread: 52 Ford with 239 Flathead...Need some big help...

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I posted this before I went on reading the rest of the forum; so, I'll leave it here, but the others have given you a much better response on the other places you posted the same question. You can take this one for the two cents it is worth. You mighnt want to think about consolidating your queries into one post; asking the same question in several places can get confusing.

Well, a little "shade tree" explanation, here. First, I'd just turn off the fan; added distraction to my way of thinking. Take a look at the starter solenoid: It is a small can shaped device with two large and two small terminal posts on it, mounted on either the firewall or the inner fender. A heavy cable runs from the battery to one of the large posts, and another heavy cable runs from the other large post to the starter. There will also be two smaller wires fastened to the two small posts; one of them will run to the distributor, and the other will run into the cab to the starter switch. First, check that the wires are reasonably sound, and then using a plastic screwdriver handle or a stick, give the solenoid can a few whacks - not so as to break anything, but enough to jar it a bit; it may be stuck inside, and needing to be jarred loose. Give it another try. No joy? Process of elimination: you can start replacing stuff starting with the solenoid, or do some troubleshooting with a multimeter and work it out that way. If the solenoid clicks when you turn the key to start or press the starter button, then the starter itself may be stuck. Just keep on working the wrinkles out like that.