Expert: Vern Bullock - 6/2/2009

Question
Hi Vern.
I have a 1962 Mercury Comet that has a stalling problem. It will start great,
idle great and run great for most of the day and then I'll come out of a store
and try to start it and then nothing. It will give me the "battery needs
jumping" clicking sound. I'll jump the battery and it will start fine and then
stall again as I drive a bit. What's weird is that it will go a couple of weeks
and everything will be fine. Any suggestions on what the issue might be?
Thanks!
John

Answer
Hi John:
The problem you describe is a bit strange. However, it is most likely one of two things...

1. Double check the battery cables for looseness and corrosion. Also, battery could have a dead cell or the battery is not being recharged by the generator, so also check the generator belt for looseness. I'm assuming the generator light does not come on while driving or idling?

2. There is a small chance it could be the starter. When the starter gets hot the bushing will shrink to a point where they don't make good contact and will give the same clicking sound as a bad battery. However, jumping won't fix this problem, unless the starter was cool enough to kick over again.

You should watch it closely to figure out which is the real problem. Try driving for 1/2 hour then cut her off and try restarting her. Also, the next time she won't start, let her sit for an hour, then try starting her. This will rule out the starter.