Hi guys, hoping someone can help me out here please? went to start my econoline the other day and the motor turns over but wont start. there appears to be no spark at the plugs. its an 86 351w electronic ignition on carb (Duraspark 11? ) At about the same time my ignition switch got stiff and notchy so not sure if this is related? i'm not much good with electrics so any idiot proof help would be much appreciated, thanks Col.

 

I'm assuming this is an E250/350?
Does it have tilt wheel?
Do you have any type of electrical tester?

If your key got all stiff and notchy in its action the first thing to check is the electrical part of the switch down on the lower steering column.
These look like a plastic block with a big plug attached to the side.
Sometimes the switch itself breaks or melts.

 

Yeah, I agree, check out the ignition switch itself....

 

She's an E150 with tilt wheel. If that box at the base of the wheel has gone bad will that kill the spark? I only have a simple test light.


Thanks for replies so far.

 

Tilt wheel actuator rod could be the cause of your notchy key action but if the starter turns the van over it is moving the switch fully forward.
Have a look at the electrical part of the switch.
Use your test light to probe the coil connector and see if there is power with the key in run and start.
If so, try seeing if it will start with the spout plug removed.
Try checking codes. The computer will be telling you something.

 

Have you tried to start the engine with the automatic transmission in neutral, rather than park?

 

It wouldn't crank over if the nss was at fault.

 

That is right, Jim. Thanks for the correction!