Thread: Ford 390 charging problem

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I have a 64 thunderbird with a 390. The car ran great for years until recently when the points burned out. They were original autolite and very brittle when I tried to file them the plastic broke. I installed an aftermarket set of points and the car ran fine, with one exception. The amperage is now incredibly high on the dash guage and will only run once before burning out the starter solenoid and battery. I'm thinking it may be a bad alternator regulator, as I put a new battery and solenoid today and she fired right up, but amperage was high still. Once I stopped the car and tried to restart, the starter would clunk into position but not turn. On second attempt the solenoid clicked but starter didn't do anything. Has anyone had similar electrical problems? I'm thinking it's the alternator regulator, but could it be the aftermarket points somehow? I don't know please help me.

There was already a problem thats why your points burned up the first time.
I would have it check or change the alt and reg.
It will cause alot of problems if you don't.
anywere from shorting stuff out to causeing your battery to swell
and burn up.
Change the solinoid at the same time don't keep useing the same one.
Kurt

Have you replaced your voltage regulator. Your car should have a small external voltage regulator located either on the drivers side of your radiator support (mounted to the rear of it), or it may be on one of your inner fender panels. I'd replace it first, then have your alternator checked out at a local auto parts store.


Bill S.

I had a problem with my 64 years ago. It was a wireing harness under the
hood. I think I replaced a couple wires and it was ok.

Thanks. I was thinking the regulator anyway. It was the timing of this in connection with the points problem that threw me off. Must have fried when I was boosting it. There is definitely way too much power in the charging circuit. I like my Chevys a lot better, never any electrical problems, and much simpler design. This Ford has been a pain in the rear.

I like my Chevys a lot better, never any electrical problems, and much simpler design.
You must have never owned a old Vette, thats all that thing has is problems.
but I am gonna tear out all the wirring,which is about 4 differant wirring harnesses and start from scratch. Then take out every vacuum line and canister and throw it in the garbage. This includes the wiper door that has never worked right even after sinking about $2,000 dollers in to. Every time that does not open and the wipers try to come up it burns up everything including my but!!! I'll stick with my old Fords. Kurt

A Chevy never left me stranded. You go ahead and stick to your poor mans el camino. Anyone want a 64 t bird for 5000? I changed the regualtor and it works...for now.

HE! HE! HE! Let the games begin!!! HE! HE! HE!
Kurt

Ranchero actually came first.

the problem with the t-bird is proablely some thing very simple.i'm not sure but did the 64 fords come with a genatator.its been so long since i was under the hood of one. i do know that the early mustangs came with a gen.

My Dad had a 63 T - Bird Hard top convertable.
That was the coolist car I have ever seen.
The trunk would open and the hard top went right in.
The Radio would automatically turn it's self up when you hit the gas so you could still hear it over the motor revving up. that was controlled by Vaccum on the radio.
The steering wheel would slide to the side to make it easier to get in and out.
It had a 390 with dual exhuast and man that thing would fly.
It had a turtle top that would fit over the back seat and make the car look like a two seater. So yes I do love my old Fords and a few new ones as well.
Kurt