Truck not starting

MICAH ERIN SHARP

MEMBER
1979 FORD F-250
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

Hi there,
I let my old truck sit for three months without trying to start it, and when I try now, it will not start.
Before letting it sit it was starting and running beautifully.
When I turn the key the engine turns over like normal but just does not start. The gas gauge starts moving up like normal etc.

These are the things I have tried so far that have not worked:

*Adding fresh gas.
*Adding HEET to gas tank.
*Spraying carburetor with a little starter fluid.
*Giving it a jump from another car.

Something I noticed today is that when I try to start the truck there is not any gas entering the fuel filter that is in line heading to the carburetor. The reason I know that is because the fuel filter is one of those clear glass ones.

I am guessing that this might mean the fuel pump is out. What do you think?

Is that something that might happen by letting the truck sit?
Thanks!
Micah

5 Replies

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,004 POSTS

Starter fluid had no affect? Spitting/coughing, anything?

Sounds like ignition.

Have you tested for spark?

Need help on that?

The Medic

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Monday, July 31st, 2017 AT 6:31 PM

MICAH ERIN SHARP

MEMBER
10 POSTS

No, I have not tested for spark. How do I do that?

The starter fluid had no effect. Like I mentioned, you can hear the engine turning over, but it just does not start.

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Monday, July 31st, 2017 AT 8:24 PM

MICAH ERIN SHARP

MEMBER
10 POSTS

Like I mentioned though, there is no gas coming into the fuel filter when I am trying to start the truck.
Would that not be more of a fuel/fuel pump problem?

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Monday, July 31st, 2017 AT 8:25 PM

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,004 POSTS

Remove one of the plug wires from a plug.

Stick a paperclip/nail in the end of the wire contacting the metal part inside.

Now, hold the wire a few inches back from the nail.

Position (hover) the nail about 1/4 inch from a good clean metal surface while your pal cranks the truck.

You should have a good strong spark emitting from the nail to the ground.

Fuel pump not pumping?

Maybe not had time to pull full from tank? Yes, "could" be bad.

But wait!

We introduced fuel right into the carburetor with the starter fluid.

That should have had a reaction of some sort.

We may have multiple issues.

Results from the spark test?

The Medic

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Tuesday, August 1st, 2017 AT 6:12 AM

RENEE L

ADMIN
1,260 POSTS

Hi MICAH ERIN SHARP,

I am sending you a link to useful and informative information on how to check for spark. This is an easy step by step guide with pictures and a video.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

If you need further assistance please come back to the site we are always happy to help.

Thank you for visiting 2CarPros.com.

Kindest regards,

Renee
Admin