1955 Buick Cranking System – Starter

1955 Buick Cranking System Circuits

1. Battery and battery cables (par. 10-14).
2. 1955 Buick Cranking motor, including the drive assembly which engages the flywheel ring gear during cranking operation (par. 10-32).
3. Cranking motor solenoid switch, mounted on 1955 Buick cranking motor, for shifting drive assembly and closing the motor circuit. During cranking the switch also connects the ignition coil directly to the battery, thereby bypassing the ignition coil resistance unit (par. 10-32).
4. Solenoid switch relay, mounted on left fender skirt, for operating the solenoid switch. (par. 10-32).
5. Accelerator vacuum switch, mounted on the carburetor and operated by the throttle shaft. This switch permits control of 1955 Buick cranking system by the accelerator pedal (par. 10-30).
6. Generator windings, which are used for completing the vacuum switch and solenoid relay magnet coil circuit to ground.
7. Charge indicator, ignition switch, and necessary wiring to connect the various units.
8. Neutral safety switch, only on cars equipped with Dynaflow Drive. This switch is connected in series with the solenoid switch relay to prevent cranking of engine except when the transmission control lever is in either the neutral (N) or parking (P) position.

Operation of 1955 Buick Cranking System

CAUTION: The radio should be turned off while starting the engine because certain radio parts may be damaged if 1955 Buick cranking motor is operated with radio turned on.

When the ignition switch is turned on and the accelerator pedal is depressed to open the throttle valve in carburetor, the throttle shaft actuates the accelerator vacuum switch to close the switch contacts. On Dynaflow Drive cars, the transmission control lever must be in neutral (N) or parking (P) position so that neutral safety switch is also closed.

Closing of the ignition, vacuum, and neutral safety switches permits battery current to flow through the magnet windings of the solenoid switch relay and through the field windings of the generator to ground. See figure 10-25. Flow of current through the relay windings magnetizes the core which pulls the relay armature down to close the relay contacts. Battery current then flows through the “pull in” and “hold in” coils of the solenoid, magnetizing the solenoid. The plunger is pulled into the solenoid so that it operates the shift lever to move the drive pinion into engagement with flywheel ring gear and then closes the solenoid switch contacts.

The closing of the 1955 Buick solenoid switch contacts causes the motor to crank the engine and also cuts out the “pull-in” coil of the solenoid, the magnetic pull of the “hold-in” being sufficient to hold the pinion in mesh after the shifting has been performed. This reduces the current consumed by the solenoid while the 1955 Buick cranking motor is operating.

As soon as the engine starts running, the generator output voltage opposes the flow of current through the solenoid switch relay and generator windings, consequently the relay circuit ground connection is blocked and the circuit is opened. This demagnetizes the relay core and permits the relay contacts to open and break the solenoid circuit so that the solenoid is also demagnetized. A torsional return spring then actuates the shift lever to retract the solenoid plunger, which permits another spring to open the solenoid switch contacts. At the same time, the shift lever disengages the drive pinion from the flywheel ring gear.

Whenever the 1955 Buick throttle is returned to idle position after the engine starts running, the accelerator vacuum switch contacts are separated and the solenoid switch relay circuit is opened at this point. Manifold vacuum controls a lock out device in the switch which prevents the contacts from closing when the throttle is again opened to accelerate the engine. These lockout devices are described in paragraphs 10-29 (Carter) and 10-30 (Stromberg).

In cold weather, if the first explosions are too feeble to keep the engine running under its own power the generator output voltage will not be sufficient to block the solenoid switch relay circuit and permit the relay contacts to open. If the throttle is held open the 1955 Buick cranking motor will continue in operation until the explosions are strong enough to keep the engine running at” a speed where generator output voltage is high enough to block the relay circuit and cut out the 1955 Buick cranking system.

While the engine is running, operation of the accelerator pedal will not bring the 1955 Buick cranking motor into operation because of two separate and independent safety features: (1) Blocking effect of generator voltage on soleniod switch relay circuit. (2) Mechanical lockout of switch contacts in the accelerator vacuum switch.

10-30 1955 BUICK ACCELERATOR VACUUM SWITCH

Description and Operation

The 1955 Buick accelerator vacuum switch is built into the throttle body of the carburetor in position to be operated by the throttle shaft.

The switch consists of a special stainless steel ball, plunger, guide block, W-shaped contact spring, and return spring housed in a passage in body flange which is closed by a terminal cap containing two contacts. When the engine is not running and throttle is closed, the ball rests on a lip on the lower end of switch plunger and bears against a flat spot on the throttle shaft. The plunger, guide block, and contact spring are held in a down position by the return spring so that the contact spring does not touch the contacts in terminal cap. See figure 10-26, view A.

1955 Buick Accelerator Vacuum Switch Operation

When the 1955 Buick accelerator is depressed with engine stopped and ignition switch turned on, the flat spot on throttle shaft acts as a cam to push the switch ball, plunger, guide block, and contact spring upward until the contact spring touches both contacts in terminal cap. This closes the solenoid relay switch circuit and puts the 1955 Buick cranking system into operation. See figure 10-26, view B.

After the engine starts running and the throttle is returned to idle position, manifold vacuum causes the ball to move upward against a seat in the throttle body and the switch return spring pushes the contact spring and plunger down to separate the switch contacts, thereby opening the solenoid switch relay circuit at this point. See figure 10-26, view C. As long as the engine continues running the switch ball is held against its seat due to manifold vacuum; therefore movement of the throttle shaft cannot be transmitted to the plunger to close the switch contacts. When the engine stops so that manifold vacuum ceases, the ball drops down to the starting position between throttle shaft and plunger.

It is very important that the switch contact is made at a specific throttle opening, to assure proper starting conditions. If the switch makes contact too early the throttle will not be opened sufficient to give a good cold start. If the switch makes contact too late the throttle will be opened too far, which may cause gear clash as well as hard starting due to unloading of carburetor choke by the throttle mechanism. See subparagraph b, below.

Checking 1955 Buick Vacuum Switch Timing-On Car

When the carburetor is installed on engine the following procedure may be used to determine whether the vacuum switch timing is within proper limits. With a Carter carburetor, the method given in subparagraph d may be used if preferred.

1. Make certain that transmission is in neutral and that parking brake is applied.
2. Back off throttle stop screw, rotate fast idle cam to slow idle position if necessary, and fully close the throttle valve. On Dynaflow car, make certain that dash pot will not prevent full closing of throttle valve in the next step.
3. Hold a stiff 6″ scale, or similar straight edge, against the rear face of the lower arm of the throttle lever which contacts the dash pot, so that scale rests on rocker arm cover. With throttle valve fully closed, make a pencil mark on cover at front edge of scale. See figure 10-27, step 1.

1955 Buick Checking Vacuum Switch Timing On Car

Cleaning and Lubricating 1955 Buick Vacuum Switch

Switch timing may be changed without removing carburetor from engine; however, if switch is dirty the carburetor should be removed so that switch passages can be properly cleaned.

1. Disconnect wires from terminals. Hold down on switch terminal cap while removing hold down clip. Remove terminal cap and return spring, then lift out switch guide block with contact spring and shims. Do not lose timing shims and the spring washer on contact spring. See figure 10-28.

1955 Buick Assembly of Accelerator Vacuum Switch

Bench Check of Switch Timing on 1955 Buick Carter Carburetor

1. Connect a 12-volt battery and test lamp across switch terminals so that lamp will light when switch makes contact.
2. Block choke valve open so that fast idle cam is at slow idle position, and back off throttle stop screw to permit full closing of throttle valve.
3. While holding throttle valve fully closed, hold a scale (or other strip of metal 5/8″ or more wide) against the choke unloader arm of throttle lever and make a pencil mark on float bowl at opposite edge of scale. See figure 10-29, step 1.

1955 Buick Checking Carter Vacuum Switch Timing

Bench Check of Switch Timing on Stromberg Carburetor

1. Connect a 12-volt battery and test lamp across switch terminals so that lamp will light when switch makes contact.
2. Block choke valve open so that fast idle cam is at slow idle position, and back off throttle stop screw to permit full closing of throttle valve.
3. While holding carburetor in normal upright position, insert a 17/64” drill between wall of throttle body and lower edge of one throttle valve, at the center. With valve closed against the drill, the switch should make contact and light the test lamp.
4. Remove the 17/64” drill and insert a 9/64″ drill in same position. With valve closed against drill, the switch should be open so that test lamp does not light.
5. If switch does not operate within the limits specified, retime it by changing shims as required (subpar. c, above).

10-31 1955 BUICK NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH DYNAFLOW CARS

A combination neutral safety and back-up lamp switch is mounted on the steering column jacket under the cowl and is actuated by the transmission control shaft. The neutral safety switch is connected in series with the 1955 Buick cranking motor control circuit through the two terminals on left side of the switch assembly. The backup lamp switch section is connected to the lamp circuit through the two right hand terminals.

Slotted mounting screw holes permit sidewise movement of the switch assembly for proper neutral safety switch timing, which also sets the switch for proper back-up lamp timing. Neutral safety switch timing may be checked and adjusted as follows.

1. Check 1955 Buick manual control linkage and adjust if necessary (par. 5-12).
2. Ground primary terminal of distributor with jumper wire so that engine can be cranked without firing.
3. Firmly engage “step-on” parking brake and place transmission control lever in neutral (N) position.
4. Place a narrow strip of masking tape on speed ratio dial so that upper ends of letters “N” and “D” are visible.
5. With transmission control firmly engaged in Neutral detent, make a pencil mark on masking tape at right edge of speed ratio dial pointer, then make two marks on tape at 1/8″ and 3/16″ to right of the first mark. See figure 10-30.

1955 Buick Marking Tape for Checking Switch Timing

10-32 1955 BUICK CRANKING MOTOR, SOLENOID SWITCH, AND RELAY

The 1955 Buick cranking motor assembly consists of a motor, drive assembly, shift lever, and solenoid switch. See figure 10-31. It is mounted on the flywheel upper housing on the left side of engine.

1955 Buick Cranking Motor-Sectional View

1955 Buick Cranking Motor, Drive and Shift Lever

The 1955 Buick cranking motor is an extruded frame type, having four poles and a compound field. Three field coils are connected in series from the field terminal to the insulated brushes, and one shunt coil is connected from the field terminal to ground. The armature shaft is supported at both ends in graphite bronze bushings pressed into the commutator end frame and the drive housing. Neither of these bearings require added lubrication.

The four brushes are supported by brush holders mounted on the field frame. Two opposing brushes are connected to the field coils. The field coils are held in place by the pole shoes which are attached to the field by large screws. The field coils are connected to an insulated connecting link in the field frame, through which current is supplied to the motor.

The drive assembly is mounted on the motor armature shaft and keyed to it by helical splines so that it can be moved endwise on the shaft by the solenoid operated shift lever. It transmits cranking torque to the flywheel ring gear, but its overrunning clutch allows the drive pinion to rotate freely with reference to the armature shaft when the engine begins to operate, thus preventing the armature from being driven at excessive speed by the engine.

The drive assembly pinion is moved into engagement with flywheel ring gear by action of the solenoid upon the shift lever, which engages the shift collar of drive assembly. The shift collar moves the drive assembly by pushing on the clutch spring, which serves as a cushion in case the pinion and gear teeth butt instead of meshing. The helical splines assist in obtaining proper pinion engagement. The drive pinion is pulled out of engagement, after engine starts, by action of the shift lever return spring. The shift lever is connected to the solenoid switch plunger by a link and adjusting screw. See figure 10-31.

1955 Buick Solenoid Switch and Relay

The 1955 Buick solenoid switch not only closes the circuit between the battery and the 1955 Buick cranking motor to produce cranking action, but it also operates the shift lever to move the drive pinion into engagement with the flywheel ring gear.

The solenoid section of the switch has a plunger and two windings, the “pull-in” winding and the “hold-in” winding. Together, they provide sufficient magnetic attraction to pull the solenoid plunger into the solenoid. The plunger actuates the shift lever and drive assembly and it also closes the solenoid switch contacts by pressing against a push rod upon which a contact disk is mounted between two coil springs. One spring serves as a cushion to insure firm contact of the disk with two stationary contacts. The other spring pushes the disk away from the stationary contacts to break the circuit when the solenoid is demagnetized after the engine starts. One stationary contact is connected to the battery positive cable and the other is connected to the motor windings through a connector or bus bar. See figure 10-31.

The 1955 Buick solenoid switch has an additional small terminal which touches the switch contact disk only when the solenoid is energized. A lead connects this terminal to the battery side of the ignition coil, thereby by-passing the ignition coil resistance unit during cranking operation and making full battery voltage available at the coil.

The separately mounted solenoid switch relay is an electrical switch which closes the circuit between the battery and the solenoid windings when cranking action is desired, and opens the circuit when the engine starts running. The relay has one winding surrounding a core which, when magnetized by current flowing through the winding, attracts a flat steel armature. The armature has a contact point which makes contact with a stationary point to close the circuit.

Operation of the 1955 Buick solenoid switch and relay, as well as the entire cranking system, is described in paragraph 10-29.

10-33 PERIODIC INSPECTION OF 1955 BUICK CRANKING MOTOR

As a general rule, the 1955 Buick cranking motor should be tested and inspected every 5000 miles to determine its condition; however, the type of service in which some 1955 Buick cranking motors are used may make more frequent inspection advisable. Frequent starts, as in city operation, excessively long cranking periods caused by hard-starting engine conditions, excessively dirty or moist operating conditions, all will make more frequent inspection advisable.

1955 Buick cranking motor action is indicative, to some extent, of the cranking motor condition. A cranking motor that responds readily and cranks the engine at normal speed when the control circuit is closed is usually in good condition.

Check motor and solenoid switch attaching bolts to make sure these units are solidly mounted. Inspect and manually check all wiring connections at solenoid switch, solenoid relay, generator regulator, generator, accelerator vacuum switch, ignition switch, charge indicator, and neutral safety switch (Dynaflow Drive cars only). Make sure that all these connections in the 1955 Buick cranking motor and control circuits are clean and tight. It is advisable to test the cranking circuit to make certain that excessive resistance does not exist. See paragraph 10-34.

10-34 VOLTAGE TEST OF 1955 BUICK CRANKING MOTOR AND SOLENOID SWITCH

The voltage across the 1955 Buick cranking motor and switch while cranking the engine gives a good indication of any excessive resistance. NOTE: Engine must be at normal operating temperature when test is made.

1. Inspect battery and cables (par. 10-15) to make certain that battery has ample capacity for cranking and ignition.
2. Connect jumper wire to primary terminal of distributor and to ground on engine, so that engine can be cranked without firing.
3. Remove 1955 Buick cranking motor splash pan and connect voltmeter positive (+) lead to the motor terminal on solenoid switch; connect voltmeter negative (-) lead to ground on engine. See figure 10-32.

1955 Buick Cranking Voltage Test Connections

CAUTION: Do not operate cranking motor more than 30 seconds at a time without pausing to allow motor to cool for at least two minutes; otherwise, overheating and damage to motor may result.

5. If 1955 Buick cranking motor turns engine at low rate of speed with voltmeter reading less than 9 volts, test solenoid switch contacts as follows.
6. With voltmeter switch turned to any scale above 12 volts, connect voltmeter negative (-) lead to the motor terminal of solenoid switch, and connect positive (+) lead to battery terminal of switch. See figure 10-33.

1955 Buick Solenoid Switch Contact Test Connections

The voltmeter will read not more than 1/10 volt if switch contacts are satisfactory. If voltmeter reads more than 7 0 volt, switch should be repaired or replaced.

10-35 TEST AND ADJUSTMENT OF 1955 BUICK SOLENOID SWITCH RELAY

The 1955 Buick solenoid switch relay must close at very low voltage in order to assure positive operation in cold weather when the battery may be low. Because it is calibrated at low voltage no attempt should be made to test or adjust it without accurate test equipment.

The switch relay may be tested on the car with the following equipment: (1) 12-volt test lamp (2) Accurate low reading voltmeter (3) Variable rheostat of at least 10 ohms and a capacity of 2 amperes. The Ohmite Model J rheostat, 50 watt stock No. 0314, 12 ohms 2.05 max. amp, if’ satisfactory. It is made by Ohmite Manufacturing Co., and is available at most electrical supply stores.

Testing 1955 Buick Solenoid Switch Relay Closing, Sealing, and Opening Voltages

NOTE: Relay must be tested cold (at room temperature).

1. With ignition switch turned off, remove black wire from relay terminal marked (2) in figure 10-34.

1955 Buick Solenold Switch Relay Test Connections

1955 Buick Solenoid Switch Relay Adjustments

1. Remove relay from car and remove the cover, which is crimped in place.
2. Push relay armature down until contact points just touch, then check air gap between armature and core with feeler gauges. Air gap should be .011″ minimum and may be adjusted, if necessary, by bending the lower point support. See figure 10-35.

1955 Buick Relay Closing Voltage Adjustment

Recheck closing voltage after each adjustment.

10-36 1955 BUICK SOLENOID SWITCH TEST AND REPLACEMENT

Testing 1955 Buick Solenoid Switch Windings

When the 1955 Buick cranking motor is removed from engine, the solenoid switch windings may be tested with switch removed from the 1955 Buick cranking motor. Two tests should be made to determine: (1) Current draw of both windings in parallel; (2) Current draw of hold-in winding alone.

1. Ground the switch motor terminal to solenoid base with a jumper wire.
2. Connect a 12-volt battery, a variable resistance, and an ammeter of 100 amperes capacity in series with the base of the solenoid “S” terminal on switch. See figure 10-31 for location of the “S” terminal.
3. Connect a voltmeter between base of solenoid and the small solenoid “S” terminal.
4. Slowly adjust resistance until voltmeter reads 10 volts then note ammeter reading. This shows current draw of both windings in parallel, and should be 72 to 76 amperes at 10 volts, with solenoid cold (room temperature).
5. Remove jumper wire from switch motor terminal and readjust resistance until voltmeter reads 10 volts, then note ammeter reading. This shows current draw of hold-in winding alone, and should be 18 to 20 amperes at 10 volts, with solenoid cold (room temperature).
6. If the solenoid windings do not test within the specifications given, the solenoid switch assembly should be replaced.

Installing 1955 Buick Solenoid Switch and Adjusting Drive Pinion Travel

Whenever the solenoid switch is removed and reinstalled on 1955 Buick cranking motor it is necessary to adjust the drive pinion travel so that proper clearance will exist between the pinion and the pinion stop retainer when pinion is in cranking position.

1. Install 1955 Buick solenoid switch and connect plunger link to shift lever.
2. Connect a source of approximately 4 volts (2 battery cells in series) between the solenoid “S” terminal and ground. CAUTION: Do not use 12-volt current because this will cause the motor to operate. Do not connect to the opposite “R” ignition coil terminal of solenoid.
3. Push the solenoid plunger into solenoid- by hand; once in, battery current will hold plunger in place.
4. Push the pinion away from pinion stop retainer as far as possible and use feeler gauge to check clearance between pinion and retainer. See figure 10-38.

1955 Buick Checking Pinion Clearance

10-37 BENCH TEST OF 1955 BUICK CRANKING MOTOR

To obtain full performance data on a cranking motor, or to determine the cause of abnormal operation, the motor should be removed from the engine and be submitted to a no-load and a torque test with equipment designed for such tests. Test specifications are given under Electrical Specifications in paragraph 10-3.

• No-load Test. Connect the 1955 Buick cranking motor in series with a 12-volt battery and an ammeter capable of indicating several hundred amperes. If an RPM indicator is available, set it up to read armature RPM.
• Torque Test. Torque testing equipment should be used to determine if the motor will develop rated torque. A high current-carrying variable resistance should be connected into the circuit so that the specified voltage at the 1955 Buick cranking motor may be obtained, since a small variation in the voltage will produce a marked difference in the torque development.

Rated torque, current draw and no-load speed indicates normal condition of 1955 Buick cranking motor. Abnormal conditions may be indicated by one of the following:

1. Low free speed and high current draw with low developed torque may result from:
   • Tight, dirty, or worn bearings, bent armature shaft or loose field pole screws which would allow the armature to drag.
   • Shorted armature. Check armature further on growler (par. 10-25).
   • A grounded armature or field. NOTE: Remove commutator end frame and disconnect shunt field (small wire) from insulated motor terminal before checking for grounds.

Check for grounds by raising the grounded brushes and insulating them from the commutator with cardboard, and then checking with a test lamp between the insulated terminal and the frame. If lamp lights, raise other brushes from commutator and check fields and commutator separately to determine whether it is the fields or armature that is grounded.

2. Failure to operate with high current draw may result from:
   • A direct ground in the terminal or fields.
   • Frozen shaft bearings which prevent the armature from turning.
3. Failure to operate with no current draw may result from :

• Open field circuit. Disconnect shunt field, item 1 (C) above, then inspect internal connections and trace circuit with test lamp.
• Open armature coils. Inspect the commutator for badly burned bars.
• Broken or weakened brush springs, worn brushes, high mica on the commutator, or other causes which would prevent good contact between the brushes and commutator. Any of these conditions will cause burned commutator bars.

4. Low no-load speed with low torque and low current draw indicates:

• An open field winding. Disconnect shunt field, item 1 (C) above, raise and insulate ungrounded brushes from commutator and check field with test lamp.
• High internal resistance due to poor connections, defective leads, dirty commutator and causes listed under item 3 (c).

5. High free speed with low developed torque and high current draw indicates shorted fields. There is no easy way to detect shorted fields, since the field resistance is already low. If shorted fields are suspected, replace the fields and check for improvement in performance.

10-38 1955 BUICK CRANKING MOTOR REPAIRS ON BENCH

Disassembly, Cleaning and Inspection of 1955 Buick Cranking Motor

When it is necessary to disassemble 1955 Buick cranking motor for any reason, make a complete clean up and inspection to make sure all parts are in satisfactory condition. See figure 10-31 for identification of parts.

1. Disconnect plunger from shift lever by removing link pin, remove nut and lockwasher from terminal of solenoid switch, then remove solenoid from 1955 Buick cranking motor.
2. Remove nut and lockwasher from shift lever stud, unhook return spring from shift lever, and remove stud.
3. Take out the thru bolts and remove commutator end frame and the field frame assembly.
4. Remove armature with drive assembly and shift lever from drive housing. Remove thrust collar from pinion end of armature shaft, and remove leather thrust washer from opposite end of shaft.
5. Place a metal cylinder of proper size (1/2″ pipe coupling will do) over end of armature to bear against the pinion stop retainer. Tap retainer toward armature to uncover the snap ring, remove snap ring from groove in shaft then remove retainer and drive assembly. See figure 10-39.

1955 Buick Removing Pinion Stop Retainer and Snap Ring

Assembly of 1955 Buick Cranking Motor

1. Lubricate drive end of armature shaft with SAE 20 engine oil and install drive assembly with pinion outward.
2. Slide pinion stop retainer down over shaft with recessed side outward.
3. Stand armature on commutator and place a new snap ring on drive end of shaft and hold it in place with a hard wood block. Strike block with hammer to force snap ring over end of shaft, then slide the ring down into groove in shaft. See figure 10-40, view A.