FB 20 24 forklift help

Recently picked up this FB 24 20. Not sure about serial number but ID plate has #8792045, and # 1342 on it.

This was purchased as a non running machine, but owner states it was running about 1-2 years ago. Said the "starter quit". Took it to a repair shop and the guy couldn't get repair parts. I got the starter in a box all taken apart. It honestly looks ok minus some ware. It needs a lp tank, and most likely brakes.

A new hose from the top cover down to the regulator/vaporizer thing looks brand new. Forgive me if I'm not calling things correctly.

A main question I have is the battery looks relatively new. Made on date of 9/20. So could have been idle since then. Nice 6v commercial 3eh battery. Haven't tried to charge it, bit the positive is connected to the positive and negative to negative ground?

Thought there were suppose to be POS ground. It has a box on the alternator that says POS Ground 6v.

I'm wondering if someone hooked up the battery wrong when they swapped it and it wouldn't work?

Would this have fried it if it were hooked up wrong?

I'll need any help I can get with this. Not new to mechanical stuff but this will be my first forklift. I'll most likely need to do brakes to some extent. Any help would be appreciated.




Edited by spitfire_er - 01 Jan 2024 at 5:43pm

what "PARTS" did he need for the starter ??   Something major, or just renew ?  Can you put it back together and then test on the bench ?  HE should at least have cleaned the commutator,  straightened up the brush faces, and reassembled for you ?   If it is a little weak, you can run it on 12v to get a little more PUSH.

Edited by steve(ill) - 01 Jan 2024 at 6:24pm

NO... the Generator or Voltage regulator has nothing to do with STARTING the tractor.. All you need is a starter and a Battery / Ignition switch...... What normally gives a "no start" is the cables are BAD, the battery is weak, the starter solenoid is bad, or the key switch is bad..

Edited by steve(ill) - 01 Jan 2024 at 8:12pm

Thanks for all the info Steve. I won't get to it for a few days, but I need to get the starter back together first.

So, does the battery appear to be hooked up correctly?

Positive to solenoid to starter, Negative to engine ground? That seems backwards to me, or that's got nothing to do with it?

I'll have to swap the cables around on the battery then.   I'll probably toss the armature in the lathe and clean up the commutator.

Continental is probably right... Yes, i could be a 12v starter..but you have a 6v battery , so that does not add up... Not sure how he determined the wire is RIGHT.... Yes, the starter will run with either NEG of POS ground.... The GENERATOR appears to be 6 v and POS ground voltage regulator.. 

Edited by steve(ill) - 03 Jan 2024 at 9:04am

Hooked it all up and tried it. Got a very faint click. Wasn't even a click, but I heard it. Might check the selonoid tomorrow to see if it's works. Might jump the starter too. Guess I never tested it on the bench.

Pulled the plugs today and pretty sure it got done condensation in the engine. Will have to try and break it free. No good spot to turn by hand so I'll need to pull it with my truck.

Haven't done much with this, but did get the starter working. Installed it and the solenoid clicks but doesn't engage the starter. Power direct to starter works. But it turned then quickly stopped due to I'm pretty sure it's locked up. My next step may be to pull the head and try and clean as much as I can. I will need a new gasket though and I'm not sure which engine it is, was told it's a continental. Can I make a gasket?

Thinking if I can break it free, which will be a task, I can get it running.

obvious difference in head gaskets for each manufacturer...

Cant say for sure... but with the spark plugs on TOP like this... it would lead you to believe it is a FLAT HEAD engine.. So your Continental "guess" could be correct..

I bet your right Dave.. I was thinking a little BIGGER on the motor, but the little ICK is probably closer to the size it originally came with... and that was the flat head.

well............ that narrows it down.. quick GOOGLE search  ...

If it ends up being the starter... and you dont have a local shop.. Call DA MAN !

YES... but he says it is an AUTO LITE starter number MAK 4023 and it goes on a WAK ICK engine... thats YOU !     ... not to purchase... just good info.