I finally got all the little **** done and tried to start my new motor. I turn the key on and everything on the dash lights up like it should. I then used my XCal2 and flashed the computer. I have the coils and fuel pump disconnected, I wanted to crank for awhile to build some oil pressure. When I hit the key nothing happens. The starter doesnt click or spin or freewheel. All the lights on the dash go out but then pop back on when I release the key.

This is what I know for sure as of now...

The motor will turn with a wrench, its not seized
All the wiring and sensors are hooked up correctly
I have 12V at both fuse boxes with the key on
It is not a P.A.T.S. issue
Brand new starter, had it checked to be sure
Battery is basically new and I charged before using


I am wondering about the clutch cable I installed. Maybe my clutch isnt engaging ??

Also I now have an aluminum block. Could I need better grounds ?? I have all the original grounds from my old block plus another 4ga I added after moving my battery to the back. Is aluminum less conductive, needing another cable perhaps ?? I had grounding problems when I relocated my battery but it wasnt like this. Back then the starter would click when I hit the key, then when I released all the dash lights were dimmed out. I replaced the grounds then and it was fine for a few years.

Any ideas are welcome....

 

aluminum is very conductive. it's what the power companies use in all those big powerlines that give ur house power. i'd check the sensor that tells the engine to crank when the clutch is engaged (i can't remember what it's called) and possibly the relay or fuse that ur starter runs off of.

 

i'm pretty sure they use copper and not aluminum, as aluminum is expensive. I can't help with your problem, but i'm pretty sure aluminum isn't causing it.

 

Just for background what is it that you did. What did you swap in?

 

Its a 2002 Explorer 4.6 in a 99 GT. Its basically the same motor as the Mustang but has an aluminum block.

I redid all my grounds yesterday making sure the were tight and as short as possible. No luck. Really frustrated, summer is half gone !!

 

Check out this forum as many members have done swaps http://www.modularfords.com/forums/f30/

 

nooo my friend, you've got it backwards, copper is the expensive stuff. they use it for the lines and up to ur house. the ground wire going down the pole is copper. they also aluminum because of the weight, it's wayy lighter then copper is, esp. when ur stringing miles upon miles of it. just curious codiddy, what do u do for a livin'?

 

Ive been a member there for years and I asked the same question. I was completely ignored. Everytime I start a post there I get no relys at all.



Im trying to talk myself into going out there and working on it now, but I dont want to be disappointed again.

 

Did you have to change anything in the wiring? The clutch pedal has a switch as well as the fuel cut off in the trunk make sure those are working. Im not too convinced that your battery is good,turn on your headlights if they turn off completely when you try to start her up it may be the batt.

 

It was the clutch switch. I ran a jumper wire and it cranked over. Now I have to decide if I want to fix it or just leave the wires the way they are.

 

Jumper it for now but make sure you know whats causing the problem then ask Randy how much the switch is or go to a junk yard. The switch is there so you dont start the car in gear which would suck for you and the car or wall in front of you. I cant remember off hand about our stangs but my inlaws Acura had the same issue and it turned out that the rubber stopper that makes contact with the switch fell off so I glued it back on.