A week and a half ago, I brought home an early 70's Allis FPB 20-24 1 ton capacity forklift. The lift is powered by a gas (Waukesha F 133 4 cyl). Anyway; when I picked up the forklift from the seller, it started right up. It also fired right up when I unloaded it, after the 300 mi trip home.
The forklift has sat for a little over a week, with no charger on the battery. Today; I tried to start it, in order to change the oil/filter. The old Allis would not start! I put a 200 amp jump box on it, and the lift still won't start. Even after a quick charge for 30 min @ 40 amps. The carb is getting fuel (electric fuel pump is working), the ignition solenoid is working. I am sure the forklift is in neutral (checked a few times). I am not seeing the crank pulley rotating with the ignition engaged? It sounds and seems like the starter motor isn't kicking in, when the key is turned on. I am thinking either the batt is going bad, or the starter motor crapped out? I even took a rubber mallet and gave the starter a few wacks, but still not start. I am going to put the battery on a trickle charger over night, and go from there. Will probably start with a new battery, then go on to the starter motor. Any idea how big you can go with CCA rating (cold cranking amps) on these little 4 cyl forklifts? Also; on a shuttle shift clutch, you don't have to have the clutch pedal engaged, on start up - do you? I am sure as long as the lift is in neutral, it should start? Any help is greatly appreciated!