Took the mustang out for a spin today and after dropping by my folks house, I was on my way back home, cruising about 35mph when all of a sudden the motor started POPPING really loud, I immediately pulled over and before I could stop the motor died.

Thankfully, I was only 2 blocks away from the house and I was able to call my dad to help me push it back to the house.

Here are a few things I've done and checked.

1. Tried starting, the engine seems to turn fine with the starter but once the gas gets into the combustion chambers it pops BAD. I tried forcing it to start and it would kind of run but POP, enough to make me not force it anymore. The popping is almost loud enough to make me think it may be a KNOCK or something slapping something else.

2. I was scared of a dropped valve or a broken rocker arm stud so I pulled the drivers' side valve cover (because that's where it seems to be coming from) and everything looks OK.

3. I felt the oil all around to check for any shavings. I also had my dad crank the motor from the ignition and all the rocker arms were turning so that ruled out the timing chain (I hope).

4. When I do crank the motor and it does pop, the carb shoots out a grey/whiteish smoke, no fire.

5. I also cranked the motor to see if the rotor was turning and it was.

I called my uncle and he said it might be a spark plug wire went bad or possibly the module in the distributor (motorcraft I think). The MSD 6AL is also a possibility.

I can't get the motor to run enough to check if I had any oil pressure.

When the motor is cranking and no gas is in the chamber it cranks smooth. The coolant doesn't look like it has mixed with oil (no wierd smells or anything). The oil is still very clear.

I hope I have provided good enough information to give you guys a good lead as to what the problem is.

Thanks in advance guys.

Erik

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Alex Denysenko
Co-Administrator and Moderator

NHRA/IHRA/SRA member and licensed Superstock driver
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NHRA and IHRA SS/LA & SS/MA National Record Holder '00,'01,'02,'03,& '04
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Fleet of FoMoCo products including 88 ASC McLaren Mustang #28

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Thanks for the quick response, the terminals in the inside of the cap are dark, kind of ashy.

I will pull the other valve cover.

Erik

I took a second look at the cap terminals and they have a burnt carbon look to them.

I have to go to my parents house and borrow a few tools to get that other valve cover off. Hopefully later tonight.

Erik

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1966 Ford Mustang 2+2
Father & Son built w/M&M Help

Thanks for making me take off that passenger side valve cover. #1 rocker arm stud broke off.

That's the 2nd stud to break off on this motor in less than 500 miles. Different stud though. I've got an extra ARP stud at my folks house. I'll install it tomorrow and post the results.

Thanks Alex!!

Erik