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

[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 no power, no nothing! Doesn't even click when you turn the key, no headlights nothing works. If anyone out there has any suggestions as to what might be going on please help, I miss my girl already!

Thanks
Nick

[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.

Patrick

[69rangerman]

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

Also, maybe ignition switch?

[splavin90]

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.

[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!

[wt4speed#2]

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

Tony B

[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.

[flyboy2610]

Sounds like a bad ground to me.

[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

[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).

Patrick

[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

[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

[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.

[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 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