I post stuff all over this forum however, I don't seem to get answers until I post here, so here is my problem. I'm working on a 289 from a 65 Fairlane; When I attempt to start the engine it will turn over however, it will not start. I can switch it on and jump it with a screw driver from the solenoid and it starts right up. It started once with the key so I don't think it's the wiring. I don't want to start buying items chasing the problem when I don't know the answer. I have a new battery.
Thanks in advance

 

With my 289 (oddly enough from a 64 Fairlane) there is a wire that goes from the ignition switch to the small terminal of the battery side on the solenoid. There is also a small wire that goes from the small terminal on the starter side of the solenoid to the hot side of the coil to provide 12 volts for starting. I also have the ignition ballast resistor that provides current from the ignition switch to the hot side of the coil.

If it started once using the key then you should check all connections and make sure they are clean and tight. That's all I can think of.

 

COLF-12250-A .. Resistor Wire (Motorcraft DY-37).

61.49" long / Color coded PINK / 1.30-1.40 ohms resistance / # 20 gauge wire.

All 1960/70 FoMoCo vehicles.
----------------------------
C3AZ-11572-A .. Ignition Switch (Motorcraft SW-583).

1960/65 Falcon / 1962/65 Fairlane / 1965/66 Mustang // 1961/66 F100/1100 / 1961/66 Econoline / 1966 Bronco.

 

Sounds to me like the resistive wire is in the circuit and that is what the engine is running on when it does run. My SWAG is the direct circuit through the start position is open. Prove this by hot wiring from a constant known +12 Volt source to the hot side of the coil and try to start the engine. Positive side of the battery is a good source of +12V.
I've seen this problem before. Sometimes when you get the engine spinning and release the starter switch the engine will start on the resistive circuit.

 

Thanks for the replyies Guys; I went out to look for the resistor wire I found it however, it disappeared into the wiring harness and I don't see where it comes out, my shop manual shows it going into a block & coming out as another color. I tried starting the engine again and it will start if I switch the key back towards on while the engine is cranking. I'll see what I can come up with tomorrow after I sleep on it.

 

OK, you've proven the resistive circuit is ok. Forget about that circuit. Now look for the start side hot wire.