1968 Ford Mustang stalling

55FORD

MEMBER
1968 FORD MUSTANG
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
800 MILES

Hi all- newbie here, the info is inaccurate due the available list, i bought a 55 ford with a 302 engine in it, everything is either new or rebulit, it ran super for months (800 miles) it always starts up and runs fine but shuts off after 5 mile driving, after a couple restarts it will go about 1/2 mile then shut-off, then needs to sit a good while before it cranks over, any ideas?- john

4 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,858 POSTS

Hi 55ford. Welcome to the forum. Are you describing two different problems? Do you have a stalling-while-driving problem and a failure-to-crank-the-engine problem?

When the stalling occurs, does the engine stop instantly similar to turning off the ignition switch or does it sputter and lose power over a period of a few seconds? What type of ignition system is used? Point, electronic, etc. What type of carburetor do you have? When it does restart, do you have to crank a long time or will it start right up?

When it doesn't crank the engine, do you hear a loud clunk from the starter? A lighter click from the solenoid? No sound at all? How about a rapid clicking sound? Have you checked the battery cables?

Caradiodoc

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Thursday, July 15th, 2010 AT 9:25 AM

55FORD

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Ok- 1st off, I have a hearing loss, so the sounds are hard to distinquish, for the '2 problems'- ill describe it better since its the same problem- after 5 miles the engine slowly shuts off- (5 seconds) like it isnt getting fuel, now after a couple restarts- it wont crank anymore unless it sits (something like a bad battery causes)- the car does have points in it, I left the shop yesterday for inspection and asked them to check this, they said niothing shows wrong and re-set the points and timing, I didnt think this was the problem since they didnt do the 5 mile driving 1st- upon driving it home, it did the exact same thing, shut off after 5 miles, and wouldnt crank after so many re-starts!

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Thursday, July 15th, 2010 AT 9:51 AM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,858 POSTS

If that's a Holley carburetor, there will be plugs on the sides of the float bowls for viewing the fuel level. When it stalls, pop one of them out to see if the level is visible. If it is not and you have a mechanical pump on the engine, suspect a plugged or collapsed pickup screen in the tank.

If fuel level is ok, check for spark right after the engine dies. Since it takes a few seconds to die, a typical electrical cause would be a defective ignition coil, or less likely, a shorted condenser.

Check the battery voltage while the engine is idling. It must be between 13.75 and 14.75 volts. If it is low, the battery will not fully recharge and an electric fuel pump could stop working.

Caradiodoc

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Thursday, July 15th, 2010 AT 10:50 AM

55FORD