41 Cadillac , no start

[Lars Kneller 8246]

My '41 61 Coupe with Hydramatic doesn't do anything when I hit the starter button. I have 6 volts at the solenoid when the button is pushed but nothing happens. My thought is I need a new solenoid. I am open to opinions. Thanks!

[James Landi]

Lars,

Can you hear the solenoid cLicking?  If so, you might have a bad starter... try using a hammer on the starter, as the commutator brushes can sometimes get stuck off of the commutator.  Make a temporary connection between the starter and the solenoid with your volt meter... If you're not getting voltage when you turn the key, then, likely it's a solenoid issue. If you;re getting voltage, then it's the starter  (give it a couple of wacks with that hammer!)   Happy day,  James

[Lars Kneller 8246]

No clicking at all.  It looks like I'll be shopping for a new solenoid.

[James Landi]

Lars,

Not attempting humor, but you might consider giving your solenoid a wack with that hammer.  Soleniod is an electromagnetic plunger... and the plunger might be stuck.  Chances of the coil inside of the solenoid losing continuity are slim... so try that hammer  (just for "grins and giggles")-- Happy day, James

[Barry M Wheeler #2189]

A solenoid is on the way... Well, after we get back from shopping in Lafayette.

[gary griffin]

Does it have a neutral safety switch? I have seen them causing starting problems also.

[Lars Kneller 8246]

I did check the neutral safety switch and it is working.

[Lars Kneller 8246]

It appears I have to remove the starter to replace the solenoid, correct?

[Tom Knoebel]

My rule of thumb is to check and clean all grounds first. Then proceed with parts diagnostic.

[Yesteryear]

If you have a correct 1941 solenoid (No. 1542) I'd suggest taking the top cover off and depressing the relay contact points to verify if it is a bad relay, solenoid, or grounding issue.  Recently I had a gent contact me for a similar issue only for him to later discover his air gap was improperly set and the contact points were no longer touching, allowing current to pass through the relay and energize the solenoid windings.  Just a thought.  Dave S.