1983 Ford Mustang Battery?

DINODENY

MEMBER
1983 FORD MUSTANG
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
103,225 MILES

During the last three years, I have had to get a new battery every eight months because of starting problems. After the initial start up it won't start again until I leave it sit for approximately 30 minutes. This is when I know to a new battery. Then the car is fine for another eight months. Of the last four batteries only one has tested bad.
I can't use the warranties because the battery tests good except for the one time.
I have been given a wide array of things that might be the problem. Getting every repair suggested would be very expensive and may still not solve the problem.
Have you ever heard of a problem like this? I could sure use some help. I should probably give the car a decent burial, but the body looks almost new and have already purchased a new trans, air, brakes and tires.

5 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

So we are on the same page:

Cranking-engine turns over.

No cranking- nothing happens when the key is turned, engine does not turn over.

Either is possible without engine starting.

When the problem happens, is it cranking or not?

If it is cranking, then the battery is not a problem.
(no start diagnosis)

IF it is not cranking then we need to test on a different path. (No crank diagnosis)

This is where we need to start to begin to solve this.

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Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 AT 5:24 AM

DINODENY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

It makes a couple of feeble attempts to crank, then nothing. After it sits for at least one half hour it will usually start.
I just bought my fifth battery so the car will be fine for another eight months. Weird how each battery lasts eight months almost to the day.

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Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 AT 11:35 AM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

First things I would test are the alternater, voltage regulator and the parasitic draw on the battery.

Have any been checked?

Either the battery is getting power pulled from it when it shouldn't be, the alternater is under or over charging.

IF you have a volt meter I can provide test procedures.

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Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 AT 7:51 PM

DINODENY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I don't have a meter. I have only had the alternator, starter and voltage regulator checked. They were good and so was the last battery I just replaced. The battery was rated 550 cca and tested at 506cca.
Please comment on the points brought up in the previous emails:
Any idea why the car would start after sitting for half an hour after not starting?
Why would replacing a tested good battery with a another one solve the problem for eight months?
Thanks

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Sunday, April 12th, 2009 AT 8:23 PM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

My thoughts are this.

A battery will recharge itself somewhat after setting. Enough energy can be recovered to crank the motor again.

The 8 month time period I believe is just an ironic thing as best I can see.

When you change the battery you are moving cables. This action may lead to to problem. IF you have a no crank, try a wiggle test, that is moving the cables to see if it changes anything. There may be internal corrossion in the cables that is providing too much resistance to let the battery do it's job. When you move the cable it may be going into a postion that reduces the reistance.