1964 quickly dies after starting | Ford Thunderbird forum club group 1955-2005 models

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1964 quickly dies after starting

  • Thread starter Thread starter ArloBirdDriver
  • Start date Start date
ArloBirdDriver

ArloBirdDriver

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Thunderbird Year
1964
My 1964 Ford Bird with the 390 motor recently had an issue with the starter not disengaging after the engine ran. So, I replaced the starter solenoid with a new one. Now she starts but as soon as it starts it stalls. I inspected the fuel filter and saw no sediment, disconnected the gas line between the filter and the carb with plenty of gas coming out, and noticed gas spraying into the carburetor when manually moving the throttle linkage.
I inspected vacuum lines and saw no issues.
I suspect the fuel pump is bad but let me know your thoughts.
Incidentally the ignition switch seems fine.

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If the engine dies the moment you release the key so it goes to the run mode rather than the start mode then either the resistance wire from the ignition key has failed or it is not wired correctly. If I recall correctly it is a pink wire.
 
BigClay said:
You better explain the hot wiring…….no everyone understands that.
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Yep, I heard the term many times but never really did it. I figured that was restricted to car thieves. However, I changed the solenoid and the car starts now and after correcting crossed wires on the solenoid it starts and runs. Doug at Pat Wilson TBirds helped me with that. However, the starter still remains engaged with the flywheel after starting and he said whack the solenoid with a hammer. I haven't tried that yet but I suspect a bad ignition switch because it would still keep running when the starter would not disengage. The only way to shut it down was a battery disconnect. This afternoon If you turned the key to the on position it would crank the engine sometimes. So because of these intermittent issues I think I will change out the ignition switch. I've owned this car for 41 years and never had this problem before. It took that long for the Gremlins to catch up with me I guess. Thanks for the input.
 
BigClay said:
possibly your choke is remaining closed? How long does it run before shutting off?
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I did adjust the choke to richen up the mixture. It would only run for two or three seconds before dying. Doug at Pat Wilson's TBirds told me the two little wires on the solenoid were crossed. After switching them it started and stayed running but then the starter would still stay engaged. Doug told me to whack the solenoid with a hammer. I haven't tried that yet but I suspect the ignition switch since earlier you couldn't turn the engine off with the key and this afternoon the engine would crank if I turned the key to the on position. I think I will try changing the ignition switch especially because I already have a brand new one that's been on the shelf for a couple of years. Thanks for the input Big Clay.
 
Critterpainer said:
If the engine dies the moment you release the key so it goes to the run mode rather than the start mode then either the resistance wire from the ignition key has failed or it is not wired correctly. If I recall correctly it is a pink wire.
Click to expand...
Critterpainer,
After all my tinkering the car now starts and stays running but the starter remains engaged. I think I shall change the ignition switch especially since I have a brand new one in a box on the shelf. Thanks for the input.
 
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