[dkrch]

just bought a 90 mustang converted from a 4 cyl to a 351W. it won't start. when i turn the key, the relay behind the left fender makes but nothing else. no other noise or turning over or anything. it will start if i dump the clutch but only at about 20 mph, so we can't just push it by hand. the previous owner said the starter was changed twice and i already changed the battery. i know the relay at the fender is good because i already tried jumpering it with a screw driver with no joy. any ideas? is it possible that the starter is not big enough for the engine? i know nothing about cars so please don't laugh if my questions are dumb.

[Drgnracin72]

noone will laugh at ur ?s. were here to help and to enjoy our hobby with everyone. i wish i could help with your problem but im sure will jump in and point ya in the right direction!!! welcome

[dkrch]

am i right in thinking that the starting system is as simple as it looks? ingition switch to relay to battery to starter? i don't know what else to look at. the engine doesn't even turn over or click or anything.

[Twist 2 Go]

the ignition swiches were very bad about failing on the early models. There was even a recall on them. ck it to see if it is coming apart.

[dkrch]

the ignition switch has to be good though, cause it's causing the relay beside the fender to make. i can hear it. i'm on my way to check it out though. thanks.

[Screemin3o2]

There's an open somewhere in the starter circuit most likely if it's not doing anything at all. Just gotta find it.

[1slo5.0]

Connections, connections, connections. Make sure you have good wires, good connections and good grounds.

[fakesaleen]

the ignition switch mybe letting it have enough power to click the solenoid but not enough to turn it over, also take your starter off and have the autoparts store test it

[OTreborO]

Just my 2 cents, but I don't trust autoparts store testers.

If you have a place that fixes starters take it to them. Autoparts stores make money by selling parts :-)

[ttop5.0]

good call trebor, i actually work at one of these stores, and your right, the machines dont work properly all the time, but we are still supposed to "test" either the alt or starter on the faulty equipment and just say it's bad, the only part of the job i hate, alm,ost got fired for not doing it last week, so now i just wont test anything....

[Casper98GT]

I dunno about anyone else. But i have replaced more starter solinoids on Mustangs than i care to tell. Also yes there were recalls on the ignition switch. Check to see if you have power at the solinoid. If so... jump it and start the thing so you can go buy a new one. haha

Casper

[OTreborO]

Originally Posted by ttop5.0 good call trebor, i actually work at one of these stores, and your right, the machines dont work properly all the time, but we are still supposed to "test" either the alt or starter on the faulty equipment and just say it's bad, the only part of the job i hate, alm,ost got fired for not doing it last week, so now i just wont test anything....

That sucks

Let's go undercover and do a 20/20 news story, and stick it to the parts stores. I will bring in a starter with nothing wrong, and see what autoparts stores say. We can even put a small camera on the starter.