Can't get the starter to crank! HELP - Ford Forums

Archimedes · 04-04-2002, 22:51

I just rebuilt the engine (302) and transmission (C4). They are both back in my car, and I really only put enough back in (no distributor, spark wires, vacuum lines, carb, headers, things like that) to see if the starter would crank the engine since I now have a lot more compression. I have the ground hooked up, the battery hooked up of course, the starter connected to the relay, transmission neutral wires hooked up and switch positioned. I go to turn the key,the solnoid clicks, the brake light on dash comes on, the light on the shifter goes out, I can't tell you about headlights/tail lights since I have none at this time (getting car painted). Nonetheless, The starter does not crank, I even took the starter out and tried it..What's the deal here? All fuses fine, all wires connected. I need my car back on the road soon, but this problem held me up another day. The neutral safty switch only has 1 hole for positioning it, I have spent hours on this..Someone help please! Thanks, Dani-

67 Mustang Convertible "Destiny"

ZoNiE · 04-05-2002, 06:50

Take the battery down to have it tested. I know what your going to say next. But, it doesn't matter. Take the battery down to have it tested even if it is new.

At the very least you can eliminate that as a source of your problem.

Archimedes · 04-05-2002, 14:42

I figured out what the problem was. The neutral switch was broken, so I took it apart and tried it manualy, and the starter finally cranked. Another problem I have, and have had for a while now, was that everytime I go to start my car, The starter relay gets very hot and even sometimes smokes. What is the cause of this?
-Dani

67 Mustang Convertible "Destiny"

Gearhead99 · 04-06-2002, 18:21

You first need to make sure everything is grounded.
Battery to block, block to frame.

Then if the Battery is good, and the connections are tight and clean. Check and see how many amps are being drawn when you crank the engine. If starter is bad or connections are bad you can be drawing way to many amps which will cause the solenoid to smoke.

Shouldn't pull over 180 amps or so.

Does the wire get real hot too??

Starter could be bad also.

Archimedes · 04-06-2002, 20:13

My block has 2 wires, one that is for the negative battery terminal, and the other that goes to the firewall. But isn't the block already grounded since it is connected to the frame? Both batteries I am using are good and charged up. I even checked them with a battery tester. When the starter cranks both wires get hot, not red hot but hot enough to melt the protective wrappings. The solenoid even got too hot and cracked, now I have to wait till Monday to get a new solenoid and try it again. The battery dies really quicky too, probably last only about 3 minutes cranking. By the way, do they make starters for high compression motors?

Gearhead99 · 04-07-2002, 06:23

Couple things. The engine isn't directly bolted to the frame. You have those rubber parts inbetween called motor mounts. That's why you have to ground engine to frame.

If the reserve power of the batteries is shot. They won't last either. Even though they are charged fully. Have them checked with a load tester.

Also, have the starter checked. If you take the battery out of a running car that you have no problems with you can eleminate the battery problem. Not just some charged up batteries. If the starter is pulling 300-400+amps you'll have a BIG problem. Could be the starter or the engine. Need to eleminate the starter as a probable cause.

Lastly, yes they do make high torque starter. Check out Summit or another catalog.

tyrantX · 04-07-2002, 12:54

Speaking of grounding the engine, Scott Drake repros the 64-68 C5ZZ-14289-GW engine to firewall ground wire. It connects to the rear of the R.H. head and attaches to the firewall near the heater fan motor. It costs 6 bucks, there is a super concours one with the actual part number printed on it in white letters that is hard to find and alot more money. Mean Green out of Pennsylvania makes a great starter. I'm in Canada, and Canadian Tire tests for free the items you bring in. I'm sure the big stores in the U.S. do the same so you can find out for free.

Archimedes · 04-07-2002, 21:13

I just ordered a high torque starter for my engine since it seems to have some more compression after I worked on it, and I checked out all my grounding wires, so as soon as I get the starter in the car, I will let you know what happens. I also finished sandblasting the car, I will have pictures of the finish product soon :)

Archimedes · 04-13-2002, 12:08

Alright, Even with both starters installed my wires going to my battery all get hot, and start smoking where it is attatched to the block. I have everything grounded, I checked my points to see if they were staying closed..What do I do now?

Gearhead99 · 04-13-2002, 12:48

Wow.....If everything is as you say....the next thing I would try is to pull all the spark plug and try turning the engine over. Does it smoke then????