1938 Starter Solenoid

[Kris Price]

Does anyone know where i can purchase a starter solenoid for a 1938 4 door coupe.

[Steve Passmore]

Its the same solinoid on all GM cars from 37 to 47

[Kris Price]

So would i be right to assume that its the same starter?

[Kris Price]

So...... Do you know where to get one? V8

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

I may have a used one. How do you know yours is bad?  Have you had it checked by a shop that is familiar with those starters?   Bob

[Steve Passmore]

Not the same starter Kris on all these different GM cars, as mentioned, the drive housing on the end is different between the different makes depending on where the starter is located in relation to the flywheel,  but the solenoid on Buick and Cadillac are the same regardless of transmission 37 through 47.  Most solenoid problems are caused by the points being dirty or burnt out but it looks like Bob is able to help you out here if a used one is OK.

[Kris Price]

I am not too familiar. I have to manually engage the solenoid. Unless its just not getting enough power. Corroded cables or something.

[Steve Passmore]

You need to check if the power is getting to the solenoid from the start button and if it has a ground, Can you start the car by connecting the solenoid contacts? if so the points are dirty or burnt, if you cannot, then theres a break in the power somewhere. What do you mean when you say you manually engage it?

[Kris Price]

So i can manually push the spring in on the soledoid and contact the starter and solenoid and get it to start. I lubed the spring and freed up the solenoid a little. It seems that the solenoid is engaging but the starter is not turning the engine over very fast. Im not sure if its a weak starter or if there is not an effecient amount of power making it to the starter. I think a good start is to replace all the wiring in the ignition system?

[35-709]

Before you just shotgun money at it, if your battery is known to be good then the best place to start, in my opinion, is to check every wire connection for cleanliness and tightness starting at the battery.  With particular attention to all of the ground connections.    Check the wires themselves also for any indication of internal corrosion.  As a check you might run a heavy wire with alligator clips on the ends (like a jumper cable) directly from the battery ground terminal (should be the positive terminal in your case) to a mounting bolt on the starter or the starter case itself.  If that substantially improves your cranking speed then it is a ground problem somewhere.  6 volt systems especially need good grounds.  If the engine is cranking at all I would not think it is a solenoid problem.
Geoff N.

[Kris Price]

Thanks Geoff. I will give that a try and see what happens.