72 Ford is Dead can anyone help???????

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wwjd63

72 Ford is Dead can anyone help???????

Post by wwjd63 »

Hi everyone

Was wondering if anyone out there has any suggetions as to what happened. Here is the run down; lately my truck has been acting funny :? sometimes it starts on the first turn and sometimes all it does is just cranks :( . But when it does start is runs great, I just had the motor rebuilt a few months ago. The only things that have not been replaced is the battery, alternator, and a couple of solenoids. But other than that everything was working fine. I just replaced the fuel pump yesterday, thought it wasn't getting any fuel. I fired up my truck on the first turn was running great then my radio got fuzzy and as soon as I put it into reverse she died, I mean she died :hmm: no power, no nothing! Doesn't even click when you turn the key, no headlights nothing works. :cry: If anyone out there has any suggestions as to what might be going on please help, I miss my girl already!

Thanks
Nick
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re: 72 Ford is Dead can anyone help???????

Post by mrsnicks »

You gotta do some troubleshooting for us...

1. Is the batter dead?
2. Can you jump it?
3. Is the alternator putting out juice?
4. Are the terminals/cables on the battery corroded?


Could be a voltage regulator.. battery... or alternator or bad ground.. You gotta do a little more digging before we can determine what it is.

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re: 72 Ford is Dead can anyone help???????

Post by 69rangerman »

If she jumps off and runs, but battery won't hold a charge the alternator could be shot.

Also, maybe ignition switch?
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Re: re: 72 Ford is Dead can anyone help???????

Post by splavin90 »

69rangerman wrote:If she jumps off and runs, but battery won't hold a charge the alternator could be shot.

Also, maybe ignition switch?
or he could have a bad battery.
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re: 72 Ford is Dead can anyone help???????

Post by montana_hiboy »

I second kid, a simple $15 volt/ohmeter will help isolate your problem and get you on your way, i'm not an expert by no means but you might wanna focus on your voltage regulator.........good luck!
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re: 72 Ford is Dead can anyone help???????

Post by wt4speed#2 »

Check ground strap from motor to chasis as well .Bad connection there cause all kind of symptoms

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re: 72 Ford is Dead can anyone help???????

Post by fordman »

if the battery were dead and the alt quit then it would just die and no nothing after that. almost sounds like switch to me though.
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re: 72 Ford is Dead can anyone help???????

Post by flyboy2610 »

Sounds like a bad ground to me.
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wwjd63

re: 72 Ford is Dead can anyone help???????

Post by wwjd63 »

Thanks for all the input guys; I just went and had the battery and alternator tested and the battery tested good, but the alternator failed. So I purchased a new alternator and installed it but nothing has changed :? It's still the same, nothing works, my headlights will not turn on not the radio either. Nothing electrical works. So could this be a short in my wiring somewhere?? Or would the voltage regulator do the same?

Thanks alot,
Nick
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re: 72 Ford is Dead can anyone help???????

Post by mrsnicks »

The voltage regulator is what directs the charge from the alternator to the battery. If the battery is good and the alternator is putting out a charge then my guess is that the voltage regulator is bad, and not allowing the charge to get to the battery.

Should be about a 10.00 part at any autostore... it sits on the passenger side of the radiator support.. Nice shiny box. (at least when it's new).

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wwjd63

re: 72 Ford is Dead can anyone help???????

Post by wwjd63 »

Thanks for the input Patrick, I was thinking it might be that. Only thing is my truck has two voltage regulators that are connected to eachother. One is coming from the starter and the other from the alternator. Should these both be changed?

Thanks
Nick
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re: 72 Ford is Dead can anyone help???????

Post by Nickabocker »

check your ground/battery cables <check hook up spots and look fro damae> you may also have to replace the voltae reulator (sounds like your alternator aint etting jucie) i just replace te voltae reulator in my truck it took all of 10 mins and a few bolts and it was done. Also whats the amp of the alternator...and how much power does your battery ive out?

Nick
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re: 72 Ford is Dead can anyone help???????

Post by Mohillbilly »

The "regulator" going to the starter is actually your starter solenoid. From your description, it sounds like the ground cable from the negative battery post to the engine has a bad connection. Make sure it's clean and tight. That could cause all your symptoms, including no headlights. Definitely get the digital meter. It will be the best money you ever spend on your truck. Once you get your meter, check that you have at least 12 volts, measuring from the negative post to the end of the cable going to the solenoid.
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wwjd63

re: 72 Ford is Dead can anyone help???????

Post by wwjd63 »

I wanted to thank everyone for their quick replies and inputs. I did change the two voltage regulators/solenoids and that seems to have done the trick :D Hopefully that's all it was and I will definately be getting one of those voltage meters asap. You guys were life savers thanks again for all your help.

Thanks
Nick
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