Morning all-
So, I was headed out to the F series to head out to work this morning. Engine not running.
Will crank no issue there. Engine slightly sputters. I sat and cranked on it for some time, and it did fire up minute I stepped into it to try and clear it out it bogged and died and will not run again.

I'm used to my '70's stuff with a carb, it's acting like it's flooded, but not smelling gas.

I can hear both fuel pumps run upon first turn of the key. {depending upon where my switch is set}

I've had a minor issue now that I think about it, where 3-4 times it's been minor where the truck wouldn't fire right up.
I simply cycled the key and she fired right off and away I went.

First time to have it stranded in my driveway after buying this truck 2? years ago and it's been pretty reliable.

I'm headed back to to check the basics like the distributor cab to see if it's full of moisture.

I was also going to attempt to do the self-check on the PCM as I have been getting an intermittent CEL, but that is due to a in-op O2 sensor I need to replace.

I was searching the forum for the last 30 minutes but not really seeing solid information on a crank-no-fire similar to mine. Mainly people who swapped parts and had a wire off.

 

I would shoot some starting fluid in the TB and then try it. If it fires right up, then you know you have a fuel delivery issue. Otherwise it's probably electrical.

 

I just got back in. The distributor was dry but dirty somewhat inside.

Off handed I just decided to clean the rotor tip off as it was completely covered on the end.
checked the wires, slightly moving the spark plug boots as well.

The MAF was replaced this spring when it was found have drivability issues on a road trip.

Truck cranked them slowly spun up and is running fine. Shut off, cranked right back up.
Heard something that doesn't site well, very loud distinctive "snap" noise, like a plug wire is grounding out. I can't see any spark discharge but no way and I going to touch a suspect plug wire and get a potential heart attach from the current...igntions are nothing to play will as I've heard of guys getting killed from screwing with ignitions and getting zapped hard enough to stop a heart.

Anyways...aside from suspect plug wires...the distributor doesn't look to have the TFI module on it...there's a pad but nothing in the pad. I was told the TFI modules on the 302 tend to fail, common part for replacement?

Did not run the self test, going to do that after work.

 

TFI modules were moved to the driver side fenderwell around '90-91?. Yours should be black and highly doubtful its the problem.

Pull codes, check fuel psi. Could be any number of possibilities. Your problem sounds like lost spark, but your second reply disputes your first. Another problem could be the coil. Though mine is doing well for 22+ years, I have had them (MSD) fail, and produce the identical problem you described. Your have to check the primary and secondary resistance of the coil to get a yrs or no. Another thought is the stator in the distributor is going wonky, mine did and it was original. It finally failed after 22 years on my 300. Spark came back when I pulled the SPOUT connector, and then lost it when plugging it back in.

These are just a few ideas. Post back with codes and if possible, fuel psi.