[AT] Check your grounds, OT news, and Portland

[Carl Tatlock]

Larry D. Goss wrote:

>You have been in my thoughts a lot this week, Farmer.  The phrase "Check
>the grounds!" keeps going through my head as I troubleshoot the safety
>wiring on a 1618 Power King.  It IS a ground problem, but the open
>circuit in the system is defying detection.  It would be so simple to
>just bypass the whole safety circuit and send it back to its owner, but
>I don't have enough liability insurance to do that sort of thing.
>
>Larry
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
>[mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of Indiana
>Robinson
>Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2005 7:15 AM
>To: Antique tractor email discussion group
>Subject: RE: [AT] Check your grounds, OT news, and Portland
>
>	Somebody tell them to scrape the surface with a screwdriver...
>Scrape the wires with a 
>pocket knife, and try a little solder or put in a "star washer" ( is
>that a pun?)...      
>;-)
>
>	I really "need" Portland... I wish I was ready or had a clue
>what I am bringing.
>
>  
>
Thank you to both of you.  My 1922 Dodge Brothers Touring has the 12v 
starter/generator the Dodge boys used in those days.  "Silent Cal"  
always starts very quietly (chain drive starter-- when RPMs increase, it 
becomes a generator.)   Last couple of years it has hesitated in turning 
over-- always started; would go "rrr-----rrr-----(very quietly, of 
course) the rrr---rrAhema putta putta putta."   The "putta putta is the 
illustration for all 22 horsepower in magnificent operation.     I 
finally realized the hesitation between the "rrr's" COULD BE BAD 
GROUNDS!   It is a 12v system, neg ground from the factory.  I changed 
the ground strap from the frame (where it had been for  83 years, to the 
transmission.  NOW, (big surprise) it goes: " ---rrrVROOM, putta putta, 
putta putta. "    THANKS FOR THE REMINDER from an old car guy who should 
know better-- but we all sometimes forget the basics.     Carl in Vermont