Hello everyone this is my first post I own a 1964 ford f100 a couple of days ago I went to start my truck and when I started cranking the engine smoke started coming from the hood I open the hood and there’s a wire from the back of the engine bay on fire so I took the fire out and the wire goes from in the firewall to what looks like a coil the truck does not turn over at all I’ve been thinking the starter could’ve caused this problem anyone else have any suggestions anything helps thank you. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
First, disconnect your battery immediately, then get yourself a multi-meter or circuit-tester, and we can begin to help you.
And PLEASE learn to use punctuation. You need a wiring diagram. We need a picture of the wire. Probably the only thing that burned was insulation. Trace the wire and let us see the termination under the hood Ben
What looks like the Coil?? This could be the coil or the starter solenoid. Likely it's the starter solenoid and the primary lead to the starter. These big wires get super hot from the draw and inadequate ground. Of course there's no way to know without a photo. These get replaced but unfortunately the replacement wires (starter cables) from the box stores are for Hondas. Too small of wire. Bad grounds. Heavy Draw. =Fire
Sounds like your resister wire or resister shorted out, if it comes from within the firewall and goes to the coil. It may have also taken out your ignition switch or related components. Pics help! Bones
Is there a low ohm ignition coil installed? Have to be mindful of the current flow through the primary ignition circuit.
That indeed is the solenoid. Unfortunately it's off the leg that goes to the main harness. You need to start chasing wire. Get a shop manual.
That is the starter solenoid. Just to make sure that what looks obvious is actually wired correctly, please verify: a. The heavy RED wire on the left goes to the starter. b. The heavy BLACK wire on the right goes to the +12 Volt terminal of the battery. ASSUMING the above is correct, the crispy wires on the right go to the ammeter, ignition switch, fuse block (if the early Ford pickup has one), etc. The wires in this harness bundle will touching each other as the insulation was burned off. With a little luck, you can follow the burned wire thru the firewall and under the dash to the source of the short circuit. Suspects include (not an exclusive list): a. Failed firewall grommet, insulation worn thru and the wire grounding out on the firewall hole. Should see the burned area at the firewall, and the insulation inside should be OK. b. Failed ammeter - One of the wires to the ammeter should be crispy. If both wires are crispy, the short is deeper into the under dash wiring. Good luck. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I hope you've disconnected the battery as it was suggested you do. I would then carefully remove that tape that is covering the wires going towards your dashboard. You can see there are conductors that have lost their insulation caused by a short of some kind. Do not cut or remove any wires! Just remove the tape covering the wires. You must follow them back to where they are no longer burned or where they still have insulation cover. I would start there. You may find a reason for the wire fire under the tape.
I'd check under the dash also for loose wiring. Especially around the the ignition and headlight switches.
Looks like you got some answers , just got back to the iPad.....a little late! Good luck, you have a short. You will have to replace the burnt wire so just uncover it and trace it till the burn stops..... your problem will be close! Bones
I’m not sure , it’s been a few years since I have been into the wiring on an early F100 , but as best as I remember the Amp Meeter is shut with just a wire passing through a loop on the rear of the meter . Maybe he only has a charge light and no meter . Need a few more answers . But it for sure has a short and a bad one .
Whatever you do to repair the problem, add a fuel link to the wire coming off the starter relay and going to the distribution point. Ford does it from the factory and even divides power wires and has multiple fuse links to prevent overloading circuits. They weren't that bright in 64 however.
http://www.fordification.info/tech/wiring_64.htm ............. http://www.fordification.info/tech/images/wiring/1964_07.jpg ........... http://www.fordification.info/tech/images/wiring/1964_08.jpg ........ http://www.fordification.info/tech/images/wiring/1964_10.jpg ..... Ricky.
You are pretty much realizing that the condition of your wiring is not that good. Fix it up for now, but you may consider a new harness for the truck. It is really not that much work and it will eliminate woes down the road. All you need is something like a Rebel 9+3 or Kwik Wire 14-circuit kit.
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