Ok, before you guys start giving me flak, I just want to let you know that I'm only a 15 year old kid, and I'll be honest. I've got no idea what to do.

Anyways, I've got a '67 'Stang, and I'm having some problems getting it to start. Last winter my dad and I were working on getting it all packed up for the snow, and we were trying to get the wiring and fuel lines together so we would be able to drive it into the shop instead of pushing it. We got eveything to work decently. The engine would turn over and we even got it to run for about a minute. Finally, the engine died and we gave up. Later on we tried to get it to start but to no luck. We eventually just pushed it into the garage and left it there over the winter. Now since the snow is gone I'm going to start working on it when I get home from school and stuff. The only problem is it still wont start. My dad said that's the first thing I need to fix. He said that I should use the web and the books he has to figure it out for myself, mainly because he isn't going to be home much to help me.

So yeah, any ideas on where I could start? I bought a new starter last year, so I'm pretty sure that isn't the problem. We've hooked up a small gas tank above the engine, so gasoline is getting to the engine. The battery is holding a charge so I'm pretty stumped. If the starter solenoid is shot, would that prevent the engine from even turning over? That's kind of what I'm thinking is wrong, but do you guys have any other ideas?

 

What exactly happens when you turn the key? Does it turn over? Is there any clicking or grinding? Do the lights and horn work?

 

Hahaha. Keys, headlights, horn.

Sorry I didn't specify any of this earlier, but the car has no key. We popped the ignition out and stuck a screwdriver in to start it. That worked some of the time so my dad used this little switch thing he has and clipped it onto the battery. Now when you press the button, it should make the engine turn over, but it doesnt.

The car doesn't have the headlights in, they're sitting in a box right now. Same thing with the horn.

As for noise, there is none. Before winter, like I said it would turn over, but now there isn't anything. That's why I'm thinking it's something with the electrical system, but hey, I'm a kid, what do I know?

 

Time to buy a multimeter and learn how to use it.

Radio shizack has a nice one for about 20 bucks...You can test volts, ohms, current, ac/dc the instruction that come with it will tell you most of what you need to know.

I use mine about once on month on various projects and store it in my glove box its a must have.

-Gun

 

Ok, first thing you need to do is make sure that the battery has power in it. After sitting all winter, I would think it's dead. Maybe pick up a cheap volt meter or test light if you don't have one. You need to find how many volts in battery first. Then you can go from there.

 

take the battery and starter to autozone and get them checked.
that will rule that part out.

if those check out and it still wont turn over. go ahead and replace the solenoid, they are cheap. is it an automatic? the neutral safety switch might be messed up

then get ready for a complete tune up.
new plugs, wires, distributer, cap, rotors, etc

also get a timing light to make sure your timing is on.

 

Welcome to the forum Ben. Your dad's right. The best way to learn is to research and ask questions.

If the car is getting gas and has a good starter, then the next step is to troubleshoot the electrical system. I know you're anxious to hear it run, but you'll be better served to take the time to make sure you understand the wiring and that it is all installed correctly and in good shape.

Here's a 68 diagram, I am assuming the 67 is very close. Take the time to study this and understand how it all works. then go out and trace the wires to make sure they are all hooked up. Use a test light or a Ohmmeter to check the circuit.

Then come back and ask more specific questions.

good luck!

http://www.hammar.dyndns.org/~djhamm...ng/1968/E5.jpg

 

Welcome to the forum!

I agree with baxsom, get the parts for a tune up, be sure everything is adjusted right: spark plug gaps, points gap, firing order, etc.

After that, I think it might be your solenoid. Usually you will hear a clicking from the solenoid if the battery just doesnt have the power to turn over the engine (or something like that), so you may have blown the solenoid by using the screwdriver method.

Good to see another youngin' here! you have the same birthday as me... except a few years younger. weird.

Good luck with the project, this forum will be a big help, trust me.

 

check for spark at the spark plugs wouldnt be a bad thing to check just to know what is good and what is bad before you go replaceing a bunch of stuff. FIT sound familiar? Fuel, Ignition, Timing? if those are there, your on the right track

 

Well, thanks for all the help guys. After poking around a little bit, I found that one of the battery cables had actually melted through the rubber onto the exhaust manifold. After I swapped that around, topped the fluids, and pulled the old crappy battery out, she started!

That sound was awesome. I actually got to drive it like 100ft too! It would have been further, but the car started rolling downhill and the brakes are shot so I panicked and killed it. Hahaha. Oh well. My ears are still ringing from sitting right on top of the headers, but I'm not complaining.

Anyways, onto the next thing, wiring the alternator in and fixing the brakes. It's just constant fun fun fun!