Ira81

I have a 1988 Mustang 4 Cylinder converted to a 5.0. It will run but won't crank. When you turn the key switch to engage the starter the engine will run but when you left off of the key switch it will die. It has all of the 4 cylinder original wiring and everything is hooked up to the distributor and to the coil from the 4 cylinder wiring, it does have the 4 cylinder computer.

The things that I have tried:
I put a new key switch in, and put a new ignition switch. I've put extra grounds on it and I've checked all grounds going to the starter and other places, everything seems to be fine. I've also changed the wiring and wired it straight from the battery to the coil to the distributor and it will not run at all.

Need help on getting this to crank.

Ira81

Also, I have changed it from fuel injection to a carburetor.

Mike T

I'll give your thread a bump and a wild guess, remove the connector from the ecu (computer).

mjr46

are you running an elec fuel pump?? also is ihn wired to switch 12v and not to hot in crank only??, if you tapped off the starter selonoid for both ign and fuel pump if running elec pump then it's possible you have something on the wrong side of the selonoid

Ira81

I am running electric fuel pump With a regulator to 6# for the carb.

Solenoid switch side towards the battery tray I only have the starter wire.
all others are on the other side.
1-wire is top center.

Another note: The car will run. I can start the car; while the starter is engaged pull the top wire off the solenoid switch. The starter will disengage but I have to hold the key switch as if I'm trying to crank it. let it loose it will cut off.

thx
Ira

mattdel

Whatever you have controlling the ignition isn't wired properly. I'd say it's only receiving 12v while starter is engaged, which means either it's signal wire to turn on is improper, or the source of it's main power is improper.

dawson1112

turn the key to the run position and check to see that you have 12v at the coil. If it was a fuel problem it would run for a bit untill the carb bowls ran dry. If it dies imediatly when the key is released its an ignition problem

Ira81

Got it today. runs good.
I do have the 4 cylinder computer hooked up to 1988 mustang with a V8 5.0 HO 1989 roller motor.
I ran a wire from the hot side of the coil to the 3rd from the bottom wire on the Distributor module plug. Also ran ran a wire on the negative side of the coil to the 2nd from the bottom wire on the distributor module. Ran a hot wire spliced into the hot side of the coil to the ignition. (Here's the trick) Must turn the distributor 3" counter clock wise from the original timed spot and all other Distributor module wires are cut loose. Fuel pump works & the car runs Good!

Thanks for the help
Ira