MustangWorks.com : Ford Forums - View Single Post - HELP...engine "catches" but no start..???

DZEE'S LX · 09-06-2002, 01:04 AM

O.K..... dug into it after work and boiled it down to something electrical that stops spark after you let the starter come back to "on" from the starter position.
I suspected the coil but the new (Ford) one doesn't make any difference.
It seemed like the engine would run "sputter" longer when you hold the starter engaged. It started and ran a few times but it was for no more than 10 second and it would keep missing and then would suddenly die.
That made me think the ignition switch was not keeping power on after releasing the starter. I had the recall work done on the ignition switch many years ago. But now I can see power is going to the coil positive side with the key on and engine off. I dismantled the steering column shroud and dashborad but cant seem to find any loose wires. The times that it did start it seemed like it was after I kept pushing and pulling on the ignition switch. However each time the engine would die I wasn't touching the ignition.

What else could cause a lack of power to the coil????

Unfortuneatly it is still sitting in the parking lot at work tonight. That makes me nervous but I doubt if anyone could get it started.....

Any suggestions?????

Dan

09-06-2002, 01:04 AM	#4
DZEE'S LX Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Salt Lake City Posts: 117	O.K..... dug into it after work and boiled it down to something electrical that stops spark after you let the starter come back to "on" from the starter position. I suspected the coil but the new (Ford) one doesn't make any difference. It seemed like the engine would run "sputter" longer when you hold the starter engaged. It started and ran a few times but it was for no more than 10 second and it would keep missing and then would suddenly die. That made me think the ignition switch was not keeping power on after releasing the starter. I had the recall work done on the ignition switch many years ago. But now I can see power is going to the coil positive side with the key on and engine off. I dismantled the steering column shroud and dashborad but cant seem to find any loose wires. The times that it did start it seemed like it was after I kept pushing and pulling on the ignition switch. However each time the engine would die I wasn't touching the ignition. What else could cause a lack of power to the coil???? Unfortuneatly it is still sitting in the parking lot at work tonight. That makes me nervous but I doubt if anyone could get it started..... Any suggestions????? Dan __________________ Spec Service (UHP), BFG G-Force KDW's, Turbo Coupe 3.55 rear w/disks, 73mm calipers, Stg 1 Twisted Wedges, TFS Street Intake, 70mm TB, E cam, Crane 1.7's, Aeromotive FPR, BBK 1 5/8 shorties, elec fan, FMS Al Radiator, Moroso Wires, Kenne Bell Ramair, March pulleys, Race Magnums, 190 lph Walbro, FMS Al Dshaft, D/S loop, MM 4point rollbar, FMS C spngs, strut tower brace, Tokico Illuminas, Prothane bushings, MM Lwr Conrol Arms, KB welded subs, Cervini Mach 1 hood/valence/side skirts/wing/airdam.