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  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  » Dragging start condition

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    1/10/2019 10:56 AM  #1

    rtmjr13@optonline.net
    FYI Addict

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    From: Long Island New York
    Registered: 3/12/2014
    Posts: 271

    Dragging start condition

    Hello all! Happy Holidays and New Year!
    68, 289, c4.
    When starting, the car sounds like a weak battery condition. Checked the battery, 12 volts. When running, it checks 14. So the battery and alt are good. What coukd cause it to drag like that?  Thanx

     

    1/10/2019 11:25 AM  #2

    Bullet Bob
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

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    From: Montrose, Colorado
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 4,891

    Re: Dragging start condition

    Worn out starter....either the brushes or bearings.  Also, could have a poor ground connection between the battery and the engine block, loose positive connections at the solenoid or the starter, or dirty battery terminals.  If you start messing with any of the positive connections be SURE that you disconnect the negative battery terminal first.  Or...maybe even a worn out solenoid that has very pitted contacts inside.

    BB

    "you get what you pay for, good work isn't cheap, and there are NO free lunches...PERIOD!"
     

    1/10/2019 1:31 PM  #3

    Mark Z
    FYI Addict

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    From: Dix Hills, NY
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 160

    Re: Dragging start condition

    load test the battery, not just the voltage

     

    1/10/2019 2:34 PM  #4

    Bolted to Floor
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

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    From: Houston, Texas
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 2,019

    Re: Dragging start condition

    Timing to far advanced acts like a battery that’s about dead.

    John  -- 67 Mustang Coupe 390 5 speed
     

    1/10/2019 10:26 PM  #5

    MS
    Forum Originator

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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,299

    Re: Dragging start condition

    Like BTF said...
    retard the timing and it will improve.

    Of course it COULD be a starter problem, but that is not nearly as likely as too much timing.  If you have points ignition, replace them before resetting the timing.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    1/10/2019 10:58 PM  #6

    Gaba
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

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    From: Van Alstyne Texas
    Registered: 1/15/2014
    Posts: 1,009

    Re: Dragging start condition

    Mark Z wrote:

    load test the battery, not just the voltage

    I agree with this !! You need to not just check the voltage of it sitting idle , under load the battery could be dropping way low... (internal resistance , worn out cells etc etc)

    Be much easier to check this by taking it to a car shop with a battery load tester . Much easier than changin the starter out
     

    If it aint broke, I have'nt tried to "Fix" it yet!
     

    1/11/2019 12:04 PM  #7

    ChrisH IA
    FYI FORD Member

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    From: Des Moines, Iowa
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 43

    Re: Dragging start condition

    This happened to me just last week. Started fine on Monday but Thursday (it lives in the shed) it acted as if the battery was dead or a bad connection. Cleaned both battery posts and the battery minder said it was charged. Back in the car--same thing. Okay, I used my finger on the battery terminals and they were cold. Touched the solenoid to battery bolt and YEOUCH. Sanded the washers and nut as they were all rusty and success. Starts as it did Monday. Your knuckle is a good finder of resistance if you don't have an ohmmeter.

     

    1/14/2019 1:29 AM  #8

    rtmjr13@optonline.net
    FYI Addict

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    From: Long Island New York
    Registered: 3/12/2014
    Posts: 271

    Re: Dragging start condition

    Starter was shot. 20 min job-done!
    Thanx all!

       •Thread Starter
     

    1/14/2019 8:24 AM  #9

    josh-kebob
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

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    From: Madison, AL
    Registered: 4/06/2013
    Posts: 2,902

    Re: Dragging start condition

    ding, ding, ding.......winner winner chicken dinner goes to Bullet Bob.........

     

    1/14/2019 10:28 AM  #10

    Bullet Bob
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

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    From: Montrose, Colorado
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 4,891

    Re: Dragging start condition

    See...."Blind Hog" theory does work.

    BB

    "you get what you pay for, good work isn't cheap, and there are NO free lunches...PERIOD!"
     

     

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