I need some help
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New User
Joined: Jun 2015
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I need some help
I have an old 72 ford it is a 3/4 ton. My dad use to drive it but parked it because of a leak in the fuel pump. I bought a new fuel pump and put it in. Changed the battery and everything and i got it running for a little while but it still needed work. I went out this morning and was tinkering with it again and the battery is dead and I made sure the key was off along with all the lights and everything. Any ideas on why the battery went dead?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
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From: NorCal
Battery could still be good but the cables/terminals are shot. Put a voltmeter on the battery and measure. What ya got?
Clean all contact points in the start circuit, including grounds, reseat/tighten, and try again.
Otherwise, it'll be a parasitic drain... I have gone so far as to remove fuses to ID the culprit circuit.
Clean all contact points in the start circuit, including grounds, reseat/tighten, and try again.
Otherwise, it'll be a parasitic drain... I have gone so far as to remove fuses to ID the culprit circuit.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
'Could also try jumping the S terminal to the hot side of the battery to see if it cranks. If it does, then the problem is with the solenoid or ignition switch/wiring.
I like to keep a spare start solenoid onhand because it is one of the weakest links with these old trucks.... quality in manufacturing isn't what it used to be.
I like to keep a spare start solenoid onhand because it is one of the weakest links with these old trucks.... quality in manufacturing isn't what it used to be.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8,678
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From: On the Edge of the Desert
He said jump the S terminal on the solenoid TO the positive side of the battery. That will force it to crank if it can.
In other words, hot wire it!
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
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From: NorCal
Use a screwdriver to bridge across the terminal and battery.
... before doing so, make sure the trans is in neutral with a manual or in park with an auto. We wouldn't want to have you pinned against workbench or garage wall, ya know?....
... before doing so, make sure the trans is in neutral with a manual or in park with an auto. We wouldn't want to have you pinned against workbench or garage wall, ya know?....
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Four Oaks, NC
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,592
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From: **** hole San Jose ca.
Most 40yr old battery cables should be replaced. Even tho they look good at the ends as they corrode inside where it can't be seen that reduces the current flow to the starter.
With all doors closed, lights off & Ign-switch off you should not have any little spark when placing battery cable onto the Battery.
Orich
With all doors closed, lights off & Ign-switch off you should not have any little spark when placing battery cable onto the Battery.
Orich
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,399
Likes: 40
From: El Dorado, Arkansas
Most 40yr old battery cables should be replaced. Even tho they look good at the ends as they corrode inside where it can't be seen that reduces the current flow to the starter.
With all doors closed, lights off & Ign-switch off you should not have any little spark when placing battery cable onto the Battery.
Orich
With all doors closed, lights off & Ign-switch off you should not have any little spark when placing battery cable onto the Battery.
Orich
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,300
Likes: 18
From: Las Vegas, NV
also make sure you are not turning the key all the way to the left. that is the accessory position on these trucks. off should be straight up and down on the key if the switch is aligned properly, or one click right of far left position.