Topic: electrical question

[Tim175]

now i know its not a mustang, but it is a Ford
on my truck there are 2 starter syleniods. one next to the battery just like any other old car, and there is another smaller one on the driver side inner fender. The one on the driver side hammers when i turn the key and they truck wont start with the key, i now have to use a screw driver on the main one next to the battery to start the truck. Does anyone know if there is a problem somewhere else from the ignition cylinder to the battery etc? or am i wired wrong? any suggestions would be greatly appreciated thanks

[Jeff73Mach1]

I suspect that the starter solenoid next to the battery is bad and is causing the other one (which I imagine is actually a relay) to hammer.  Typically if you can short across the solenoid and it starts, the solenoid is bad.

[Tim175]

Thanks for the reply Jeff. I replaced them both and still the same problem occured. Luckily i accidentally found the problem. The battery was too small and too low to turn over the engine. I drove it for a long time today and it fired right up with the key (it was being charged up) then i drove it for a short time and it wouldnt fire up with the key again. Then again i drove it for a good long time and it fired up with the key again. So i replaced the battery and what do ya know? It works

[Jeff73Mach1]

Glad to hear you got it figured out.  I had a starter that gave me fits on 3 different batteries, but a new battery cured the problem even though 1 of the three was almost brand new. thankfully all of the batteries were free so the fact they allwere crap didn't upset me too much.

[Tim175]

The guy i bought the truck from was an older guy who pulled a triple axle 5th wheel trailer and so he had trailer brakes, and wiring, as well has big flood lights mounted on the back, so i think the 2nd one was for the 2nd battery for those to be powered.

[Soaring]

It's a good idea to always replace the battery with one that has enough cranking power for the application.  I just paid $97.00 for a battery for my truck that is up to par with the voltage rating needed to do the job.  Like you, I suspect the second relay to power the towing package application.  Glad you figured it out. 

[Tim175]

Mine was $98. It was the biggest size they make before big rig batteries apparently haha. Fills up the battery tray pretty nicely, and now i have a spare for my trailer brakes, worked out nicely.

[Jeff1967]

Hey Tim,

Hows that 72' coming along? I recall you mentioning that Nov. would be a big month getting some projects done, Do you have any new pictures?

I have parked my 67' for the winter in my shop and will start on some more projects soon, so you will be starting to see more posts soon.

Jeff

[Tim175]

I found a "junk yard" about 10 minutes from my house that specializes in classic Mustangs. Got a brand new winshield, original fenders, doors, valances and all bolts from him for less than 2 repo fenders would be. So now im stripping the whole care to be bead blasted and then im welding in the new sheet metal, and having panels aligned. Then its off for the paint. The engine is also in the machine shop being cleaned and measured. Then im going to rebuild that once i get the block/heads back. So thats it for now, but ill post some pics before during and after.

[Soaring]

You best keep that junk yard a secret.   

[Tim175]

Yeah i shall
There was a i think 65 coupe there, missing engine and trans, but it had the original interior COMPLETE with not a single flaw except some dust. Not a single dent or scratch on the damn thing. If i didn't already have enough cars at my house i would have bought that thing so quick!