Foot starter smoking and sparking
 

I have a 36 ford darley model 51. I am having an issue with my starter pedal smoking when I engage it. I have had it off and on a few times fiddled with it but it doesn't seem like something that should be taken apart I don't know for sure this is all just new to me. I realize that smoking and sparking probably means that it is arcing I just don't understand how or why.

Re: Foot starter smoking and sparking
 

All electrical equipment runs on smoke. when all the smoke comes out of them they don't work anymore. That's what the big boys told me.

Re: Foot starter smoking and sparking
 

That really doesn't help any but your not the first person i've heard that from.

Re: Foot starter smoking and sparking
 

Your right . I just had to go there. I would check the big wire to the starter . make sure its tight and not corroded. Feel for something hot I don't know how that old floor starter is connected . sorry for the smart ass answer.

Re: Foot starter smoking and sparking
 

My guess is bad contacts. I have no idea what this switch looks like but more than likely it's not a serviceable item.

Re: Foot starter smoking and sparking
 

More than likely the insulator fibre washers inside the foot starter switch housing are burnt, cracked, loose and the copper contact studs are shorting to ground. These switches can sometimes be dismantled and repaired if you have some insulator washers and the contacts can be filed flat again. Failing that these switches are available new from various vendors such as Macs or Bob Drake or on ebay. Just Google 1936 Ford starter switch and see what you can find. Regards, Kevin.

Re: Foot starter smoking and sparking
 

If it looks like this switch it looks like you can take it apart.
You can also replace your lost smoke.

Bob

Re: Foot starter smoking and sparking
 

I'd be interested in a jar of replacement sparks...Think I'll need a couple gallons to get my old high school car running again.

Re: Foot starter smoking and sparking
 

That Lucas smoke is the best that money can buy. Be careful with that stuff, it's hard to get now.

Re: Foot starter smoking and sparking
 

Are you moving the switch against a metal ground when you stomp on it?

Re: Foot starter smoking and sparking
 

No right now I have the floor board removed so its not touching anything at all. Its not like the one Bob posted a picture of exactly. It does bolt to the steering column and has the two lugs on the bottom. It has a shaft with a spring on it that is probably about 6 -8 inches long with a round pedal on top that comes through the floor board. I'll have to get pictures.

Re: Foot starter smoking and sparking
 

I was on break at work when I read this thread last night. I found it interesting that just prior to break we had towed one of out fork trucks back to the shop as someone let the smoke out of the drive motor. Luckily we had a rebuilt drive motor with new smoke in inventory and had it changed before we got off work at 4 am. Maintaining 164 electric forklifts it seems we deal with smoke once in awhile. Rod

Re: Foot starter smoking and sparking
 

Here are some pictures.

Re: Foot starter smoking and sparking
 

Few more.

Re: Foot starter smoking and sparking
 

Carefully bend back the tabs and see what's going on in there!

Re: Foot starter smoking and sparking
 

I see what was causing the issue now but I'm not going to pretend I can fix it without some new parts. The copper piece is suppose to set in a square on the pedal side of the starter. Looks to have melted away what ever was holding it there.. It seems very possible to put the smoke back in this though.

Re: Foot starter smoking and sparking
 

Looks like a 34 switch, here's one on epay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1932-34-Ford...e44234&vxp=mtr

Bob

Re: Foot starter smoking and sparking
 

I can fix this one but there is a black square part picture above has lost its seat for the copper square to seat on. looks like it came out of its seat and the melted a snap ring that was holding it all together which has led me to all these issues.

Re: Foot starter smoking and sparking
 

Don't know where in Michigan you are located, I'm in Belleville and have an NOS foot starter button. It don't look like yours, looks more like a headlight dimmer switch. I would have to dig and search for it. If your willing to pick it up you can have it. Let me know and I will find it and send you pics. [email protected]
Mark

Re: Foot starter smoking and sparking
 

Mark I appreciate the offer. I talked to the local flathead guru and he says he possibly has nos parts available Im going to check with him tomorrow.