Dougwalk00

I have a '73 Mustang that I can't get started. This is a completely restored car that I started a few times this year, and then it just stopped starting. Whenever I turn the key their is a CLICK noise and the electric fan slows down (so there is a power draw). I have already replaced the starter, start solenoid, voltage regulator, cables from starter to start solenoid, start solenoid to starter, and negative battery cable. Still nothing. Whenever I turn the key there is 12 volts at the starter, but the starter doesn't do anything. The only thing that I can think of that I haven't checked is the Ignition Box (which is a two year old MSD 6A box) but I don't know how to check if it works. Does anyone know what the problem could be, how to check the MSD box, or what I should check next???????
-Thanks

kalli

make sure you have a good battery. the try that:
http://www.gascc.ie/index.php/compon...y=73&showall=1

1971mach1

It does sound like a battery problem, or a dirty connection on the battery cables.
You can still get 12v from a bad battery and not have enough current to run the starter. Try jumping with a known good battery.

The MSD box is not the problem, the starter would still crank. The starter solenoid is what's clicking, because there's not enough current.

Dougwalk00

Thanks for the good advise, but it still won't start. I removed both the battery and the starter out of the car and got them tested (both tested good). I used a dremel tool and cleaned up the metal around where the starter sticks in, to ensure a good ground connection, before re-installing. And I cleaned up the area where I connected the ground cable from the negative battery post, and I cleaned both + and - terminal posts, and it still won't start. I also used my daily driver to jump it, and still nothing more than a click and a faint smell of burnt wires, I didn't see any smoke, but I could bearly smell burnt plastic. Anyone have any other ideas?

kalli

sounds like you put one of the wirs that get + while running to the ground
or the wire at starter is hitting ground somewhere (maybe on starter itself)
The link I posted shows the wiring and how it works. There's a troubvleshooting guide, but since you're burning wires check on that wiring first as in diagram before you proceed.

Dougwalk00

You are a genius. The power cable to the starter was grounding out on the starter. I took it off, wrapped it in electrical tape and put a washer on the back side of the cable to keep it off the starter, and it fired right up. THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH.

kalli

nice one! :-) great news

pass1over

wo0ho0! always glad when its something quick and easy to get one back on the road