blackball

I am looking for tech guidance from Mustang people.

My 1970 Mustang will not start after sitting for two months in my garage.
- 302 with A/C
- C-4 Transmission
- All original wiring

The last time it started, it sounded like the starter remained engaged with the fly wheel even though the engine was started. I pulled the center coil on the distributer to kill the engine (and hopefully avoid destroying the starter...which may have happened anyway).

Now when I turn the ignition key I hear a single click/thud...and that is it.

Battery is brand new, starter solenoid is brand new.

I am grateful for the guidance

Gun Jam

whats the battery charge like? yeah its new but did it hold a charge for 2 months? maybe something is causing a small power drain and now the battery is dead.

-Gun

RHuckster

Sounds like the solenoid is working, sounds like the starter is toast.

Rick

blackball

Out of curiosity, I removed the new starter solenoid and re-installed the old starter solenoid. With the new battery installed, I jumped the the Mustang after revving the second vehicle up to 2,000 rpms.

After several attempts and very slow cranks, the Mustang started and ran for about 3 minutes with the jumper cables connected to the second vehicle.

When the Mustang was turned off (jumper cables still connected and second vehicle still running) and then turned ignition key to attempt to start, the Mustang would not start. It would slow crank but not start.

Kirklandkie

Well you've eliminated the battery and solenoid from the equation so...
Just a thought: it could be a weak ground from the starter (or weak internal ground if its one wire), try cranking down on it.
The alternative is a weak/busted starter which is a much more likely case given the situation
Other than that, I've got nothing

-Kirk

blackball

As always, this forum provides excellent and accurate guidance and support.

For those interested - The Mustang is running strong. I replaced the battery because it would not hold a charge. I also replaced the starter (it was toast) and the ground wire from the starter to the solenoid.

It fires right up without a problem.

Thank You again for the assistance fellow Mustang lovers.

boogerschnot

You might want to check for any amperage drain while the engine is not running to see if you have something grounded and sucking juice while it sits.

Gun Jam

WOw look at that 3 different people with 3 different ideas about what was wrong and all 3 were right...thats gotta be a first!! usually all 3 end up being wrong

-Gun