Starting problem 1970

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Offline GLENN 70

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Starting problem 1970
« on: December 09, 2022, 11:53:34 pm »
Hi everyone , got a problem with starting my 70 mustang . Turn the key and engine starts ,but with you let the key go engine stops . No power to the coil when not cranking . I’m thinking ignition switch / module on the steering column? ,  70 model is the 1st with the ignition on the column and not in the dash . Can’t buy one for a 70 but they say fit a 71-73 switch and modify to use . Not sure if that’s the problem or not .

Offline AussiePhil

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Re: Starting problem 1970
« Reply #1 on: December 10, 2022, 07:38:15 am »
Hey Glen,
Check this out,

This may well help you!

https://youtu.be/iePoqLm8F28

Cheers Phil.
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Offline Aussie-67

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Re: Starting problem 1970
« Reply #2 on: December 10, 2022, 10:00:24 am »
Try bypassing the switch (hot wire it) and see if it still has a power supply.  If so the problem will be the switch.

Offline GLENN 70

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Re: Starting problem 1970
« Reply #3 on: December 10, 2022, 10:34:42 am »
Yes mate did that and it runs with the old Hotwire trick . Just took out the switch and sprayed inside it with electrical contact cleaner and refitted it ,IT LIVES ,runs ,turns off and on ,so let’s see how long for  :grin: . Thanks for your help  :thumb: . Thought that was the problem but wasn’t sure ,but it was . Was just going to take the car out for a run and no start ,does now  :thumb:

Offline jiffy

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Re: Starting problem 1970
« Reply #4 on: December 10, 2022, 02:13:55 pm »
Wires are def plugged into the solenoid right - not unplugged or reverse?? And there's not a break in the wire?
Solenoid supplies 12v via the solenoid to coil when cranking, when ignition switch is released then the resistor wire is back in circuit.
Worth checking this circuit out as a fault here will exhibit the same symptoms
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Offline GLENN 70

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Re: Starting problem 1970
« Reply #5 on: December 11, 2022, 01:22:38 pm »
Seems ok for now car starts and runs  :thumb:

Offline GLENN 70

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Re: Starting problem 1970
« Reply #6 on: December 11, 2022, 10:23:08 pm »
Hmm has stopped working again  :cry: . Can’t buy a ignition switch for a 70 ,but they do make them for a 71-73 that they say will fit with some sort of modification? Anyone know what you have to do to make it work .

Offline AussiePhil

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Re: Starting problem 1970
« Reply #7 on: December 12, 2022, 06:56:33 am »
Hey Glen,
Have a close look at the one your looking to buy, I’m thinking it may be something simple like different plug.
The one I see on eBay has a red button, probably hazard lights, does yours have that.
The switch on the YouTube is for a 70 Mustang and he said it’s for heaps of 70 ford cars, it doesn’t have the red Hazard switch.
I’d check other 70 model Ford switches, drop off Mustang in the description.

This one says.
This is a reproduction Ford and Mercury column mounted ignition switch for early 1970s models.  This is an OEM quality service part.  These are not a direct plug in for all applications.  On some models the wiring is not long enough and will need to be spliced to a longer length by a qualified automotive electrician.  Free shipping.  Worldwide shipping available.

Another problem could be the plunger length, easy fix!

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/300877860816

I know it’s a lot of work but I’d respray your switch with something good to see if you can get something permanent.
Cheers Phil.
« Last Edit: December 12, 2022, 07:43:09 am by AussiePhil »
If you've never buggered anything you've never done anything!
But if you've buggered a lot maybe you're not very good at it!

Two for one is good but four for two is better!

Offline GLENN 70

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Re: Starting problem 1970
« Reply #8 on: December 12, 2022, 08:53:07 am »
Ok thanks . I took it off and resprayed it again and it works again , but I don’t want to get stuck with the car not starting again . Went out yesterday for a while and the bloody thing played up and I got stuck for 2 hours . Didn’t take any tools with me did I  :cry: . By the looks of it ,yes it’s the plug and the length of the wiring .
« Last Edit: December 12, 2022, 09:07:46 am by GLENN 70 »

Offline Edz

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Re: Starting problem 1970
« Reply #9 on: December 19, 2022, 11:26:14 pm »
Ok thanks . I took it off and resprayed it again and it works again , but I don’t want to get stuck with the car not starting again . Went out yesterday for a while and the bloody thing played up and I got stuck for 2 hours . Didn’t take any tools with me did I  :cry: . By the looks of it ,yes it’s the plug and the length of the wiring .
You could wire in a simple switch on/under the dash to run power directly to the coil to get you out of trouble if it does it again until you get a new switch. Just be aware if your coil is the factory resistor type it will eventually overheat and fail if you do this for too long. Nothing worse than being stuck.
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Offline GLENN 70

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Re: Starting problem 1970
« Reply #10 on: December 20, 2022, 06:53:49 pm »
Edz ,fixed for now ,well I hope . I bought a new switch that I will have to  cut all the wires to make them all longer and retain the original plug .  It’s been working great again for now and what I did was spray WD 40 into the switch as before I sprayed electrical contact cleaner and that would only last a few starts .

Offline AussiePhil

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Re: Starting problem 1970
« Reply #11 on: December 20, 2022, 07:10:56 pm »
Great to hear Glen,
Both sprays have their uses, the WD40 has probably lubricated and improved the electrical widgets.
Contact Cleaner is basically alcohol and cleans and drys dry.
WD40 = 1
Contact Cleaner = 0
Cheers Phil.
If you've never buggered anything you've never done anything!
But if you've buggered a lot maybe you're not very good at it!

Two for one is good but four for two is better!