plsirl

I have a '68 Mustang with a '91 302 (carb'd, no computer) that I just finished rebuilding and re-installing. When I removed the engine I tagged all the wires, and re-installed them just as they were with the exception of removing the electric fuel pump I had (installed a mech pump). When I connected the battery and went to start the engine for the first time, all of my gauges were illuminated as per usual (and the windshield wiper motor worked... dont ask). Upon turning the key, the starter moved it about two teeth, then immediately stopped. Now I have no electrical working anywhere, including the gauges that worked prior to trying to start it.

I checked my fuses which consist of 3 or 4 old buss style fuses under the dash and 2 or 3 modern fuses in various places. All appear fine. A multimeter shows 12.5 volts across the battery terminals.

So I am thinking a blown wire or a short somewhere. I was hoping someone here has had a similar experience and could point me in the direction of a likely suspect or provide any additional information.

Thanks a ton in advance!

ahittz24

check your battery terminals if you havent already... also check your engine ground and chassis ground to the battery. Make new grounds that run from the engine and the chassis (it wont hurt).

ddeaton66

+1 My money is on the engine/chassis ground though

mjr46

you have a bad ground...if you painted the motor when it was out make sure bofore you reinstalled the ground wires you scuffed up the block area where the ground attached as to make good contact.

plsirl

Well, I had to make your timing cover pretty, mjr.

I have a feeling you are right. Unfortunately, I wont be able to get back to the car until Saturday night to be sure. If it is a paint issue, would the electrical have worked prior to using the starter though? It seems like I would have had a bad connection from the beginning.

Hopefully I will be up and running on Saturday, my current in-the-mean-time '07 Chevy Malibu is boring me to tears.