FYI FORD - MustangSteve's Ford Mustang Forum
The Internet's Most Knowledgeable Classic Mustang Information
IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT CLASSIC FORD MUSTANGS, YOU HAVE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!
MustangSteve has over 30 years of Mustang experience, having owned 30 of them and restored several others. With the help of other Mustangers, this site is dedicated to helping anyone wanting to restore or modify their Mustang.... THERE ARE NO DUMB QUESTIONS!!!!!
Visit MustangSteve's web site to view some of my work and find details for:
FYIFORD Contributors' PICTURES - Power Brake Retrofit Kits for 65-66 Stangs - Classic Mustang FAQ's by MustangSteve - How to wire in a Duraspark Ignition - Mustang Ride Height Pictures and Descriptions - Steel Bushings to fit Granada Spindles to Mustang Tie Rods - Visit my EBAY store MustangSteve Performance - How to Install Granada Disc Brakes MustangSteve's Disc Brake Swap Page - FYIFORD Acronyms for guide to all the acronyms used on this page - FYIFORD Important information and upcoming events

You are not logged in. Would you like to login or register?

  • Index
  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  » Car does not stop running and then some.

    • 1 of 1

       

    6/16/2020 8:33 AM  #1

    rap
    FYI FORD Member

    Offline

    Registered: 5/15/2013
    Posts: 25

    Car does not stop running and then some.

    64 1/2, 289, C4, Painless wiring harness (10 years old).

     I seem to be chasing my tail. Sorry for the long post but I want to give as much info. as possible. Here’s the story:1. Went to start the car, would not start, car just grunted. Tried to jump it and would not jump. Pulled the batter to buy another one. Virus thing hit and battery sat for several months.Checked batter a couple days ago that was sitting in my drive way and it tested at full charge. I was totally mystified. Put it back in the car.2. Attempted to start car and did not on the first try, When I turned the key off the car continued to turn over. I pull the key and it kept turning for around 25 seconds. Being glad it didn’t start fearing knocking out teeth on starter or flywheel.3. My best guess was solenoid. Changed that out and it was fine, for a while. Don’t know why I didn’t think to bypass the solenoid but I didn’t. Ordered a solenoid and replace it. All things seemed good.4. Radio was not working well and I changed it out. I can not remember if I ran the car at this time.5. Week later went to start the car, nothing, no click, no grunt no noise at all, no dash lights. Went to charge the batter. Have a new charger that also analyzes the battery. I could not analyze it. Took the battery out and on to Advanced Auto Parts.6. Advanced Auto could not analyze it either, bought new battery and installed. Nothing again.7. Turn key to on and shorted out the two large screws on the starter solenoid, engine started. Shut car off with the key. Started it a few more times with no problem. Started again, maybe on the 4th time, turned off and car continued to run, removed the key, ran around to the battery and as quickly as possible pulled the positive battery cable.8. When I went to put the cable back on I noticed it was hot, sparks flying. Now that was new. When I installed it, Cold, not sparks at all. 9. OK, short in the switch keeping it hot? Removed the switch unit, unplugged all the wires. Put all the parts in a baggie and sat, not having a clue what to do next wondering how current is getting back to the battery when I eliminated the switch that allows that? Seems to bounce between the battery, solenoid and switch. It seems I switch out a part and one I just switched out seems to go. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.Thanks,rap

     

    6/16/2020 8:50 AM  #2

    MS
    Forum Originator

    Offline

    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,277

    Re: Car does not stop running and then some.

    The problem is the solenoid contacts have welded themselves together.  Whack it good with a hammer and it will likely pop them loose. 

    Replace the solenoid with a high quality one. 

    What happens...  as battery voltage drops, as in your dead battery scenario, the current (AMPS) increases to the point where the contacts weld together.  This can happen on a brand new solenoid just as easy as with an old one.

    The stick contacts can keep the starter cranking even when the key is released.
    They can cause the engine to not shut off when the key switch is turned off.
    It will definitely cause the cable to spark when you try to reconnect the battery.

    So, a new solenoid is in order. Be sure the bolts that hold it to the fender are good and tight.  Be sure the battery cables and connections are in good condition and tight. If they are bad, current goes up and the welded contacts can result from increased amperage draw.

    Don’t install and test the solenoid until you are sure the battery is fully charged and the cables are in good shape.

    A battery that has been sitting a long while may still show 12 volts on a voltmeter but will likely not be able to pull the amperage required To start an engine.

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

    6/16/2020 3:09 PM  #3

    TKOPerformance
    Hyper FYIFORD ADDICT

    Offline

    From: Newark, DE
    Registered: 12/15/2014
    Posts: 7,510

    Re: Car does not stop running and then some.

    Get the battery load tested after its fully charged.  I've seen many batteries over the years that showed 12+V after charging, but the instant a load was thrown on them the voltage dropped to 9-8V which isn't typically enough to get an engine to crank well enough to start.  Any battery place should be able to do it, and some auto parts stores can too.  Just be sure they can do a load test, not just test voltage. 

     

    6/16/2020 6:18 PM  #4

    6sally6
    Hyper FYIFORD ADDICT

    Offline

    From: Surfside Beach,SC
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 6,858

    Re: Car does not stop running and then some.

    My nickel...............make sure there is NO paint where the 'silly-noid' is bolted to the fender apron. Grounds are a big problem on these cars for some reason. When-in-doubt------put another ground wire to it!
    6sal6

    Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
     

     

    1 of 1

  • Index
  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  »  Car does not stop running and then some.

    • Board footera


    REMEMBER!!! When posting a question about your Mustang or other Ford on this forum, BE SURE to tell us what it is, what year, engine, etc so we have enough information to go on.