Author Topic: electrical problem with my 65 Mustang convertible (Read 2460 times)

joeyemma · « **on:** April 25, 2009, 08:14:17 AM »

Hi...I have a 65 green Mustang that I store in a garage in NH over the winter. Picked it up yesterday. Had to jump it....no problem, I expected that. Let it run for a while to charge the battery back up and it did the trick and started right up several times and ran like a charm. I drove it home (over 100 miles) with several stops along the way. No problems with the car...ran great and started back up easily every time I had to stop.

After about 150 miles of driving I noticed it running a "bit rough" but no problem. I parked it in my driveway and 1 hour later went to start it...dead. Turned over slightly but not even close to starting. Took the jump but would not re-start again so it is not holding the charge now.

This happened to me last summer and I replaced the battery and the alternator and the problem was solved. Belts look fine.

The engine is recently rebuilt.

I don't dare take it out today (even though it is gorgeous out) because last summer when this happened I got stuck 30 miles from home and it would take a jump, but would not continue to run as the alternator was shot.

HELP.....I am going to take it into my mechanic on Monday but if there is anything I can do myself today I would love to try.

Thanks!

joeyemma · « **Reply #1 on:** April 25, 2009, 01:59:31 PM »

I decided to just buy a new battery....installed it. The car won't start....it turns over a bit...should I jump it?

Thanks

Soaring · « **Reply #2 on:** April 25, 2009, 04:06:51 PM »

You may have a starter that is locking up on you. To test that, short over the solenoid. If the starter turn over fast, then you may have a solenoid problem. If the starter does not turn over fast, then replace the starter. It would be nice if you had a multi-meter to take some readings.

joeyemma · « **Reply #3 on:** April 26, 2009, 08:31:57 AM »

ok....this is what is going on now. I put the new battery in and it was fully charged. The car still required a jump to get started. I don't understand that. But then it ran great. Perfect...smooth and strong. After about 20 minutes it started to muck down again....sputter and not idle properly. And when it did finally stall, it would not start without a jump. I am hoping to get it to my mechanic tomorrow....just don't understand what is going on.