Bought my first Mustang but came with quite a few problems

Brent77 · Jan 30, 2020

I just bought a 1966 Mustang from a guy I served in the Navy with and it has been sitting for 2 years. The previous owner before him replaced the original 289 with a 302. I already put a new battery and ignition switch in and finally got it running but there were a few problems. The car only started in Neutral and not in park. The ignition started on "On" and not on "Start" and once it started the starter was stuck on. I am a very novice mechanic but have plenty of time on my hands after work to work on this beautiful car but I dont have much experience. I'm hoping I could get a few pointers of where to start on these problems through these forums.

General karthief · Jan 30, 2020

Hope this helps:

https://www.cjponyparts.com/mustang-starter-solenoid-1965-1973-installation-instructions/a/471/

First try to adjust the neutral safety switch (it is also called a backup light switch)

How to Troubleshoot Neutral Safety Switches - Mustang Monthly Magazine

Classic Mustangs tend to leave unsuspecting motorists stranded because the engine won’t turn over. Pesky no-starts can often be traced to this easy fix and adjustment. Troubleshoot neutral safety switches to eliminate no-starts. Check out this step-by-step guide for this easy adjustment to get...

www.mustangandfords.com

Let us know what you find.

wicked93gs · Jan 31, 2020

The starter issue is probably the solenoid...the old Ford solenoids are prone to failure, especially if its an aftermarket brand...your best bet for solenoids is Motocraft....but always keep an extra one around...I went through about once a year when I daily drove my old 67.

The ignition switch problem is probably misalignment(or more likely the switch bezel broke when someone tried to remove the switch incorrectly and someone glued it back on clocked wrong...there is a trick to removing them, or the bezel will break off and spin...ask me how I know)

Neutral safety switch for the last one.

2Blue2 · Jan 31, 2020

Welcome aboard and post a pic of that stang please.

kiddiccarus · Jan 31, 2020

Welcome to the Puzzle Palace

Even a dusty picture would be a good thing for this thread

Brent77 · Jan 31, 2020

Thank you for your help and I've posted pictures as requested

2Blue2 · Jan 31, 2020

Man!
I like coupes!

RagHead · Feb 1, 2020

Welcome to the group, nice looking car.

Brent77 · Feb 5, 2020

Ok, I have installed a new bezel ring and starter solinoid thank you wicked93gs. The bezel ring did help. But the starter solinoid didn't fix the sound which I do not think is the starter now. I also installed the safety ignition switch which fixed my starting in neutral problem thank you to General karthief. I live a few miles near Nation Parts Warehouse Ventura so I can get any part same day. Please let me know if anyone has any thoughts on the noise. It's coming from the left side of the engine near the starter. Alittle exhaust/smoke aswell. I appreciate everyone's help so far.

General karthief · Feb 5, 2020

What 'bezel ring'?
And the started is on the passenger side right? The noise is coming from the area where the starter is it could be the wrong starter or flywheel, could you possible post a video with sound?

Brent77 · Feb 5, 2020

General karthief said:
What 'bezel ring'?
And the started is on the passenger side right? The noise is coming from the area where the starter is it could be the wrong starter or flywheel, could you possible post a video with sound?

It is the ignition switch bezel ring. I tried uploading the video I took tonight but the forum would not allow me to upload it. The audio isn't the best but I could try to email it to you. It's a MP4 file

General karthief · Feb 6, 2020

Ok, got my mind in the right century, now I remember those switch bezels! PITA!
Do you know what year the 302 is from?
Pull the starter off and check the torque converter bolts, I think there are 4, or maybe 5, been a while, you will rotate the engine by hand, if your not a big strong boy (I am not) a long ratchet or breaker bar on the crank bolt will work, if you pull all the spark plugs out it is even more easy to turn it over. Then you have to hold it still while you torque it down.
25-28 ft lbs I don't know how much 28 feet weight so I use a torque wrench.

Brent77 · Feb 7, 2020

General karthief said:
Ok, got my mind in the right century, now I remember those switch bezels! PITA!
Do you know what year the 302 is from?
Pull the starter off and check the torque converter bolts, I think there are 4, or maybe 5, been a while, you will rotate the engine by hand, if your not a big strong boy (I am not) a long ratchet or breaker bar on the crank bolt will work, if you pull all the spark plugs out it is even more easy to turn it over. Then you have to hold it still while you torque it down.
25-28 ft lbs I don't know how much 28 feet weight so I use a torque wrench.

So I pulled the starter and tightened all the torque converter bolt. Trying to rotate that by hand was a pain in butt but all the bolts were as tight as they would go for me. I did take pictures of the starter and the serial number. The engine is from 72 if I'm reading it right D2 is the first letter and number D-1970 and 2 for the year. Everything looked fine, no damage to either the starter or the flywheel.

Bought my first Mustang but came with quite a few problems

Brent77

Member

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

How to Troubleshoot Neutral Safety Switches - Mustang Monthly Magazine

wicked93gs

2Blue2

will be trying this sex one when I can find it

kiddiccarus

The first widely accepted Tranny

Brent77

Member

2Blue2

will be trying this sex one when I can find it

RagHead

Member

Brent77

Member

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

Brent77

Member

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

Brent77

Member

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