As an avid Mustang enthusiast, understanding the wiring diagram of your 1966 Mustang ignition is crucial to maintain and troubleshoot your vehicle. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
History of the 1966 Mustang
The Mustang was first introduced by Ford in 1964 and became an instant sensation. Part of its allure was its unique design, which featured a long hood and short rear deck, and its affordability. The 1966 model year saw some major changes to the Mustang, including the introduction of the 289 cubic inch V8 engine, which replaced the previous year’s 260 cubic inch V8.
With the introduction of the 289 engine, the ignition system was also updated, which led to changes in the wiring diagram. Understanding these changes and being able to troubleshoot any issues that arise is essential for any Mustang owner.
The 1966 Mustang Ignition Wiring Diagram
The ignition system of the 1966 Mustang consists of several components that work together to get your engine running smoothly. These include the ignition switch, ignition coil, distributor, and spark plugs, among others.
To properly understand the wiring diagram, it is important to have a basic understanding of how these components work together. The ignition switch is responsible for turning the engine on and off. When the switch is turned to the “start” position, it sends a signal to the starter solenoid, which engages the starter motor and turns the engine over.
The ignition coil is responsible for converting the battery voltage into the high voltage needed to spark the spark plugs. This high voltage is sent to the distributor, which distributes it to the spark plugs in the correct firing order. The spark plugs then ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber, which drives the engine.
The Ignition Switch
The 1966 Mustang ignition switch is located on the steering column, and is responsible for turning the engine on and off. The switch has several positions, including “off,” “acc,” “on,” and “start.”
In the “off” position, the switch cuts off power to all electrical components. In the “acc” position, power is provided to some electrical components, such as the radio and lights. In the “on” position, power is provided to all electrical components except for the starter motor. In the “start” position, power is provided to the starter solenoid, which engages the starter motor and turns the engine over.
The Ignition Coil
The ignition coil is responsible for converting the battery voltage into the high voltage needed to spark the spark plugs. This high voltage is sent to the distributor, which distributes it to the spark plugs in the correct firing order.
The 1966 Mustang ignition coil is located on the driver’s side of the engine compartment, and has two terminals – positive and negative. The positive terminal is connected to the ignition switch through a resistance wire, which lowers the voltage to the coil to prevent it from overheating.
The Distributor
The distributor is responsible for distributing the high voltage from the ignition coil to the spark plugs in the correct firing order. The 1966 Mustang distributor is located on the front of the engine, and has several components including the cap, rotor, and vacuum advance.
The cap is where the spark plug wires connect to the distributor, and the rotor is responsible for distributing the high voltage to the correct spark plug wire. The vacuum advance is responsible for advancing or retarding the timing of the ignition system based on the engine’s vacuum.
The Spark Plugs
The spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel in the combustion chamber, which drives the engine. The 1966 Mustang uses eight spark plugs, four on each side of the engine.
The spark plugs are connected to the distributor via high voltage wires, and fire in a specific order based on the firing order of the engine. It is important to ensure that the spark plugs are properly gapped and free of any debris or buildup to ensure proper ignition.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the firing order for the 1966 Mustang? | The firing order for the 1966 Mustang is 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8. |
| What size engine does the 1966 Mustang have? | The 1966 Mustang came with several engine options, including a 200 cubic inch six-cylinder engine, a 289 cubic inch V8 engine, and a 390 cubic inch V8 engine, among others. |
| What type of spark plugs does the 1966 Mustang use? | The 1966 Mustang uses spark plugs with a thread size of 14mm and a reach of 3/4 inch. |
| How do I troubleshoot ignition issues on my 1966 Mustang? | Common issues with the ignition system on the 1966 Mustang include a weak spark or no spark at all. To troubleshoot these issues, start by checking the battery voltage, resistance in the ignition system, the condition of the spark plugs and wires, and the timing of the ignition system. |
Conclusion
Understanding the wiring diagram of the ignition system in your 1966 Mustang is essential to maintain and troubleshoot your vehicle. By understanding the components and how they work together, you can ensure that your Mustang runs smoothly and is always ready to hit the road.
