I have a 1974 FJ40 with a recently swapped f engine. I'm not sure on the mileage but the compression was checked before installation. It should be good. It's been sitting in my driveway for the last 9 mo.s or so. I replaced the ignition switch because my old one fell apart. Prior to doing this the truck started no problem. Now, when I turn the switch, i get this humming noise, like it wants to turn but doesn't. The starter is new. Can anyone help?
74FJ40 used to start
- Thread starter killedkenny
- Start date
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did you JUST replace the ignition switch, or was it replaced 9 months ago?
if 9 months back, your battery needs to be recharged....$15-20 trickle charger outta do it.
if 9 months back, your battery needs to be recharged....$15-20 trickle charger outta do it.
- Thread starter
- #3
I replaced it 9 mo.s ago but the I removed the battery. I trickled it last weekend so it should be good. My charger could be faulty but it indicates a full charge. I tried jumping it with the same charger but still nothing. What is the best battery to use? I'm thinking of switching to the dual battery set-up before summer.
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Maybe you have done this, but have you checked all your grounds, are you getting clean power from the battery to the starter. Sitting for a few months might have built up some corrosion. If you pulled the battery and just put it back in you should have good connections. I would see if you are getting power to the starter with the key in the on position. Then you can rule out the battery, and focus on the ignition.
- Thread starter
- #5
Thank you for the invaluable info!
Can I jump it from the starter? Will this burn it out? Will the starter turn if it's an ignition issue? In your opinion, what's the best battery to get for this truck?
Can I jump it from the starter? Will this burn it out? Will the starter turn if it's an ignition issue? In your opinion, what's the best battery to get for this truck?
Try what Zetasig suggested 90% of the time it's corroded terminals at fault esp. if it's been sitting so long.
You can get a hand held ignition switch at any auto parts store or you can short it with a screwdriver (not safe but works). As long as there's power to the starter ie.ig. switch on, it should turn over. Use a test light to test for power. This would point out a switch prob.
As far as jumping it dir. to the starter I dunno.
If it is corrosion try switching to a dry cell battery such as an Optima. After swiching I've had no probs. with corroded terminals.
You can get a hand held ignition switch at any auto parts store or you can short it with a screwdriver (not safe but works). As long as there's power to the starter ie.ig. switch on, it should turn over. Use a test light to test for power. This would point out a switch prob.
As far as jumping it dir. to the starter I dunno.
If it is corrosion try switching to a dry cell battery such as an Optima. After swiching I've had no probs. with corroded terminals.
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dmaddox
SILVER Star
yes, start at your battery and work your way to your spark plugs.
1. good battery? (holding a charge, posts clean, terminals tight)
2. Good wiring to your ignition and starter? test with a light
Next, since this engine swap has it worked correctly? You never really said.......
If the engine was swapped, did you verify the wiring? (especially from the starter to your coil setup).
to be honest, it sounds simple.....(i.e. loose/bad connection, poor conduction, etc...)
This is one of those trial and error - work through the system things....
gl,
dallas
1. good battery? (holding a charge, posts clean, terminals tight)
2. Good wiring to your ignition and starter? test with a light
Next, since this engine swap has it worked correctly? You never really said.......
If the engine was swapped, did you verify the wiring? (especially from the starter to your coil setup).
to be honest, it sounds simple.....(i.e. loose/bad connection, poor conduction, etc...)
This is one of those trial and error - work through the system things....
gl,
dallas
- Thread starter
- #8
Yes, it ran perfectly before I parked it. It actually ran all the way up until I bought the new ignition switch. Then it sat for a week or two while i ordered the new switch. then i figured out it needed a new gas tank... i lost my job so it sat for a while. now i want to drive it again but i want to do the work myself. thank you guys for giving me the confidence and good advice. I'm taking the battery to be tested this week. In the meantime, i'm checking all wiring and grounds. I noticed that the rubber cap on my ignition coil was loose and had some moisture inside. I blew it out with compressed air, hopefully it's good now. There was one black wire hanging loose on the starter though. I tried to look it up in the manual but i couldn't find the wire. there's another black (female) connector that looks to be coming from the firewall (see pic). Should this wire be connected?
Also, is it possible to locate the original soft upper halves for the rear swing-out doors? does anyone know a manufacturer for the original soft top configuration with bows?
Also, is it possible to locate the original soft upper halves for the rear swing-out doors? does anyone know a manufacturer for the original soft top configuration with bows?
