1989 Ford Bronco II Won't Crank

1989 FORD BRONCO
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WHITEMAGI
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I just finished replacing a head gasket on an 1989 Ford Bronco II XLT. I have put everything back in place and made sure all hoses and wires are connected back in place. It wouldn't crank. I removed the upper intake manifold and am currently adjusting the distributor to get it to show some promise before I reinstall the intake manifold. Any suggestions on what to check would be greatly appreciated.
Dec 27, 2006 at 4:07 AM
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INDYUKE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 416 POSTS
Will the vehicle crank over but not start, or does the starter not even phyically crank the motor over?

One of the best ways to initially set ignition timing is to position cyl 1 at top dead center, slip the distributor into place and turn it until it aligns with cyl 1 spark plug contact on the dist cap. You might have to reposition it several times to the gear spline you want so that when you want to fine tune the ignition timing (comes next) you have a range of motion both the left and right. Snug it down. Unplug the spout connector. Start the vehicle. The vehicle will run extremely rough, maybe barely at all, but if you get it close enough it will run. Then turn the dist while checking your timing with a timing light. As you approach the correct timing (10 deg before TDC I believe) the vehicle will run better and better until it has no trouble at all.

I hope this helps. I learned all that by trial and error.
Dec 27, 2006 at 1:20 PM

Suggested Repair

Confirm whether the starter turns the engine or the engine cranks but will not start. Set cylinder 1 at top dead center, install the distributor so the rotor aligns with the cylinder 1 cap terminal with adjustment range both ways, unplug the SPOUT connector, start the engine, and set timing near 10 degrees before TDC with a timing light.

Conversation Summary

After a head gasket replacement, a 1989 Ford Bronco II would not crank. The owner removed the upper intake and was adjusting the distributor. The expert asked whether the starter physically turns the engine, then described setting cylinder 1 at TDC, aligning the distributor, unplugging the SPOUT connector, and fine-tuning timing to about 10 degrees before TDC.

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