I have a 79 F150 (302/auto) I bought about 4 weeks ago. I just spent the last few days rewiring the rear lights and was going to to go put some gas in the tank. But I noticed it started to idle erratically and when I push down on the pedal it gets worse. I pulled the inline fuel filter off and I could see the rusty colored gas. I walked to the auto parts store and bought a new filter. I installed the fuel filter ('IN' side toward the gas tank). I started the truck and pulled out of the drive. It was idling very rough and finally the engine stalled. I tried to restart the truck but it won't even turn over. I cleaned all the contacts from the battery to the starter. Any suggestions?

 

how r the grounds ?,have battery n starter checked

 

You mean that the starter isn't turning the engine?
Do you hear the starter running? Do you hear anything when you turn the key?

 

There is one little 'click' sound when I turn the key. The starter does not turn/spin/crank. Lights and everything electrical works fine.

 

Do what 400.40over said

 

This is a forum, not a text message!

But I agree, if you're getting a click, have the starter tested. Chances are this is unrelated to the fuel issue - your fuel tank can be full of mud, and the starter should at least crank.

 

I cleaned all the connections and put some dielect. grease on them too. I will put the battery back in in the morning. Decided to strip and repaint battery tray while I was in there.

Like most of the time as I am working on pulling something apart I start 3 or 4 new ones, lol. Thanks all, I will let you know if that helped tomorrow.

 

try a ground from the bat to the starter had a freind of mine had a simalar problem n his was a ground problem ,but u might want to ck the solenoid to hope this helps man

 

If your getting a "click" sound when you turn the key and starter won't rotate......I'm thinkin' solenoid.....but could be bad starter too.

 

I just cleaned all my contacts and added dielect. to them. Still getting one 'deep sounding click'. I ordered a starter solenoid last night from Jeff's Broncho, only $8, can't hurt.

 

The battery might be no good.. Kinda surprised someone hasn't suggested this yet

 

if u look i said it already

 

If your starter solenoid is clicking, then it works. That's a waste of money. Why haven't you followed any of the aforementioned advice yet? You need to have your starter tested. What's the point of asking the question if you're going to go off and do your own thing anyway?

Why? The "click" sound is the plate inside shorting the two contacts together. This is what's supposed to happen.

 

1.) The battery is good. Good thinking though, sometimes it is the simple things. 2.) To have my starter checked I take it to a shop and have them look at it? Not trying to sound stupid, but I am not a mechanic.
3.) If the solenoid is not the problem I am only out less than $10 and I shouldn't have to worry about it in the near future either.
4.) I do appreciate everybody's thoughts and suggestions.

 

x2 on the solenoid. The '88 Bronco 2 I had when I was 16 did the click thing. Had a brand new starter and battery. Replaced the solenoid and everything worked fine