1952 MC crawler

[roadbuilder]

Hello after a long time away!
My old pc operating system went obsolete and my boss bought me a company phone that I limited my online data with.
I still have my '52 MC crawler but a friend has been asking to buy it. It ran when parked about 2 years ago, and I told him I had no idea what it was worth. Normally I just charge the battery and touch up the points and it starts.
Charged the (6v) battery to 100% last night. Ammeter didn't even flicker so I picked up a multimeter on the way home today.
Got 6v at the posts, 5.9 at the starter post, juice I couldn't get consistent reading at the switch (4 something) at the terminal closest to clutch, Hard to see with it behind the firewall, and 6v at the near terminal on the regulator ?
(Behind the plate below the key/light switch)
When I turn the switch to the different positions Im not getting anything on the different terminal on the back.
The coil also has juice but that was with a little grounded jump wire that I added years ago from a repair I learned on here but the wire was disconnected because it had served its purpose at the time.
I told my friend I would like to get it running first but what would be a baseline value for it if not starting if problem is switch or the starter? Clutches , brakes and hydraulics were sound and the Braden winch also worked when parked.

[dtoots1]

Roadbuilder,

what is the whole story...does it even try to turn over,, i.e. starter engage and engine dont turn or turn and no fire..if turn over have you checked compression??...no compression no fire..spark at points?? etc...of course fuel can be issue if turnover as well....in closed building or outside in weather..can have water in cylinder..

odd no juice at switch...bad switch?? corrosion??

need info

[bbart]

Without knowing the condition better, don't expect more than a couple hundred, I would guess. But hey - let's get the thing cranking at least. I am in my mid 80's and have given up doing the maintenance myself. But I did get the stuck steering clutch problem fixed on my 1952 MC - by a top notch crawler mechanic in Lynden, WA. I am really enjoying getting some stumps out, and pushing branches into a pile. I just wish I could locate a (used) hood for a model M/MC/MT in this neck of the woods! Mine is quite beat-up.

[roadbuilder]

No, it wont turn over. My dad (92) said it was turning over and he stopped. When he tried it again it clicked and he says it acted like the starter jammed. That was a year or two ago.
Always kept in a dry barn when not being used.
Tonight I tried touching a cable from the pos post to the starter and hear a tiny click from the starter, but not like the solenoid is sending the gear. Battery shows 5.9v on the multi meter after "jump" attempt.

[Stan Disbrow]

Hi,

These 6v starters don't have solenoids. Just that manual switch on top.

Stan

[gus]

I did have a starter jam once, but it was winter and cold. I put it it gear and bumped it. It came loose and started on the next try.

[dtoots1]

if i recollect correctly...these older crawlers had 2 different kinds of starter mounts...1 is 2 bolt and the other is a single cone shaped allen head w/locking nut on it....this kind is really touchy in having it grounded properly...winter or summer makes no diff...that is what is on my 40s wheeled tractor and gives me sh..t fits ...literally have to take it loose and make sure the bendix is kicked back or move it back...and usually is the clicking noise..try it and see...also a cylinder can be locked with rust and starter wont push it loose...spray pb blaster or weazle piss in the spark plug hole...may turn over a bit by hand??

By the way..i am 82 and still wrenching on these dang things.by myself.just got done pulling the left steering apart and putting new in and tracks etc. back together..tho. i broke the dang generator bracket at the backend of it...gonna go to my local tractor junk yard and see if get another back plate that is good

EDIT...that is a no go,,,1 has altertnator,,other has 12 volt gen and the 3rd one does not match and too far gone to rebuild..dag nabbit..mine is a weird one..no nameplate..no numbers..but is 2 brush and been rebuilt...

[roadbuilder]

Hi,

These 6v starters don't have solenoids. Just that manual switch on top.

Stan

Thanks Stan

[Stan Disbrow]

Hi,

The Bendix unit mentioned above...

That pushes the pinion gear forward to engage the ring gear when the starter is energized. There is a spring the pinion pushes against to hold it back when disengaged. It might be broken or just weak. So, the pinion gear might still be engaged with the ring gear.

That would cause the engine to be stuck when trying to turn it over by hand. I might well make a clicking sound when the starter is energized. I don't think a 6v starter can begin to turn with the engine load present with the gear teeth engaged. In normal use, the starter is already turning over before the gear teeth engage.

Stan

[dtoots1]

EXACTLY!!

Thanks Stan for that precise info..

[roadbuilder]

Thanks.
Wondering if I put it in 4th and pull it a foot or two if that would work?
Not getting any spark at the points yet, so I know it wont accidentally start.
Which also makes me wonder about the switch as a second problem.
Haying right now so if it takes me awhile to try stuff or get back to you guys, no disrespect intended.
Also will try squirting Blaster down the oiler....

[dtoots1]

Roadbuilder,,

NOT a good idea to pull start...especially byself..If someone on dozer might be safe,,,but so you know,,,these things will keep going even against solid tree tracks will continue spinning...or be on top of who is pulling..
Do simple stuff first ..check all...engines need 3 things...compression...spark..gas..actually 4..air..plugged air dont work neither..also critters get into every nook and cranny...my center housing was completely filled and rusted solid...they tell me mice can get thru a quarter inch hole..on side of housing!..and did

spark is first and foremost need

switch can be issue,,and can be bypassed simply

also value wise...running decent shape s,b. 2 to 5k neighborhood...depends..not running..is Laseze Faire

[Stan Disbrow]

Hi,

I would pull the starter first and see what is up with that. If the pinion is engaged with the ring gear, and you pull on the machine, that will likely wreck the starter. And, where do you get a replacement these days? You can get them rebuilt, but it is hard to find another one. Especially the M variant.

[edit] And they like to bust their housings.....

Stan

[roadbuilder]

Thanks!
Will pull the starter next opportunity I get!

[Lavoy]

I have rebuilt starters on hand and parts available.
Lavoy