ignition

Okay, so I went to start my 67Falcon up yesterday, hopped in the seat and tried to fire it up, and nothing. Not even a clickof the starter. So we hooked up jumper cables thinking it was a dead battery. Nope, still no click. So out comes the test light and everything seems to have power. The fuel guage comes to life when the key is turned to accessory, just nothing past that. I took the wires on the solenoid and put the little wire right to power to engage the starter and then bypassed everything to get power to crank the starter, and it turns over. So process of elimination tells me that this is a switch issue but any more info would help. I ordered an ignition switch today but was wondering if anyone had any more suggestions.

Quick checks would be - are there head lights and/or dash lights. Fuel gauge sorta says the car is getting power. Turn the key on, then use a screwdriver to short between the small S terminal and the main battery feed - if all is right the car would crank and maybe start. If it does, the fault is somewhere between the ignition and the solenoid S terminal. If it cranks but doesn't fire, then there is probably multiple issues and that could be the ignition switch. If the head lights wink out when the key is turned to start, that could indicate an issue with grounds or the negative cable and possibly the positive feed too.

Kelly has you on the right track!

Had a problem with my Dad's car this week. Went to start it up, and it wouldn't crank over far at all. Bought a new battery only a few weeks ago, and gave it a charge anyway.

After a lot of thought and tests, found that number 6 was full of water.

oh crap Blaine, how'd that happen? The water I mean...

Dad's car is a 1984 Falcon 250.
These engines are alloy headed crossflow.
Haven't removed the head yet, but am guessing real bad corrosion in the head, or obvious blown head gasket. Oil was white too.

I cranked it over with all the spark plugs removed, and the water shot out at least 10 feet! Like a fountain...beautiful sight LOL!

Oooooo that's not good. Good luck with the 84.

My car cranks over when I bypass the solenoid, and that is brand new. But when I turn the key all the way to the right, nothing, not even the click of the starter engaging. My lights turn on with no issues and don't dim when turning the key. I just get absolutely no response when I turn the key. This leads me to believe it is the ignition and I will replace it tomorrow.

Check the operation of the neutral start switch. check to see if the solenoid works when you use battery volts to energize it.

Alright so I replaced the solenoid and that was a no go so I replaced the whoe key housing and tah dahhhh she fires right up.

Thanks for all the tips, it is always appreciated.

Kevin