1978 Ford F-100 engine will not start

Tiny
TOOTHBRUSH
  • MEMBER
  • 1978 FORD F-100
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 77,000 MILES
I am by all means NOT gearhead. I just need some help figuring out what the problem is. Two years ago we got it a new battery and it would run just fine. We registered it and it passed emissions. Then we drove it home and parked it on the side of he house where it sat for two years. Now I cannot get it to start with a full battery. Spark plugs look like new. Gas in the tank. I have run all the tests in the owners manuel. I cant figure out what the problem is. I really dont want to take it in and be told everything needs to be replaced. Its an old truck. I already know that. I just want it to run. Any advice would be great.
Friday, April 2nd, 2010 AT 11:40 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Hi toothbrush, Welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation

What you need to do here is to establish if its fuel or spark problem by doing below and get back with some results-we start here.

Cranks but no start"

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it
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Friday, April 2nd, 2010 AT 12:43 PM
Tiny
TOOTHBRUSH
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Okay well I have a good spark. But I dont know HOW to check any of that other stuff. On a side note I need to know what gap I need to use for the spark plugs because I am replacing them today.
-thanks guys
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Saturday, April 3rd, 2010 AT 12:29 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
SP Gap is.042-.046
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Saturday, April 3rd, 2010 AT 1:24 PM

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