MTFCA Forum

I am now a not so proud member of the " I dropped a tool in the transmission like an idiot club." My dad and I took everything apart and after what felt like forever we finally fished it out. We were so happy after we put the hogshead and starter back on, we couldn't wait to start it up and go for a drive! But we were pretty disappointed when I pressed the starter and nothing happened. We didn't have any extra parts left over so we're pretty sure did everything right lol so if anyone could give some ideas we'd greatly appreciate it I should add that it crank starts on battery just fine

first thing I'd do is put a voltmeter across the starter terminal and ground and have dad step on the starter button. You should read 6.2V or so with the starter button depressed.

if you do show voltage, the starter is the problem
if you don't show voltage, the starting circuit is the problem

I have a pretty strong suspicion as to what you've done, but this is where you start, to provide facts to your forum helpers.

Josh, a couple of things come to mind. Did the battery cable post on the starter turn when you removed or installed the cable? If it did turn you may need to have the starter rebuilt. The other idea is when you put it all back together if the bendix gear was forward engaging the flywheel ring gear the engine will be locked up and the starter will not turn. You can test this by trying to hand crank the engine, if you can crank the engine over by hand the bendix gear is not stuck. if it is not either of those, I have run out of ideas.

If it was working before you did the work and removed the hogs head, then look at only the things you physically actually worked on for the problem. Only exception would be the battery. Depending on how long it was not used, it could be dead. If the battery is good, then anything you actually worked on could be causing the problem. Not likely the hogs head unless something inside is locked up. If the crank turns and if the car rolls when in neutral, that should be ok. most likely you removed the cable from the starter. If you also did remove the cable at the switch, then that connection could need attention. With the starter itself, the weakest part of the electrical system is the connection where the cable is attached. it is just crimped inside with a little solder. That connection is very easy to bread if the bolt is twisted. The nut on the starter side should be tight and the bolt itself should not move when you install or remove the cable from it.
Norm