Truck won't start
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Gilbert
Truck won't start
Hi everyone,
I have a 77 F150 that was running fine a few weeks ago and yesterday will not start, but just cranks. This had happened once before and I checked the voltage to the wire that goes from the ignition switch to the distributor and found that there was nothing. I replace part of the wire and today when I check it is just .55 volts on that wire prior to the point where I spliced it. I am assuming that this is not enough voltage - right?
Could the ignition switch be bad and that is why I am not getting enough?
My setup is kind of odd (or at least I think so). You have to turn on the ignition switch and then push a button to start it. Not sure if it came that way, but I would actually like to change that and have the engine turn over when you turn the key like a normal truck
Not an urgent matter, but would like to get the old girl running again and I appreciate any help you all can give me.
Thanks!
Mike
I have a 77 F150 that was running fine a few weeks ago and yesterday will not start, but just cranks. This had happened once before and I checked the voltage to the wire that goes from the ignition switch to the distributor and found that there was nothing. I replace part of the wire and today when I check it is just .55 volts on that wire prior to the point where I spliced it. I am assuming that this is not enough voltage - right?
Could the ignition switch be bad and that is why I am not getting enough?
My setup is kind of odd (or at least I think so). You have to turn on the ignition switch and then push a button to start it. Not sure if it came that way, but I would actually like to change that and have the engine turn over when you turn the key like a normal truck
Not an urgent matter, but would like to get the old girl running again and I appreciate any help you all can give me.
Thanks!
Mike
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
The voltage at any of the three wires going into the distributor doesn't tell you anything. One is a ground, and the other two are wires for the Hall effect sensor. The ground will be zero volts (or close to it), while the other two are meaningless when read on a handheld multimeter (they're weak, time-variant inputs to an amplifier in the ignition module).
Connect a test light from the TACH TEST (negative) terminal of the coil to clean, unpainted metal on the engine (ground). Keep the coil connected. Crank the engine over (however you normally would do it with your switch + button), and the light should BLINK. Report your results.
Connect a test light from the TACH TEST (negative) terminal of the coil to clean, unpainted metal on the engine (ground). Keep the coil connected. Crank the engine over (however you normally would do it with your switch + button), and the light should BLINK. Report your results.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 85
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From: Gilbert
fmc400,
Thanks for the input. I will give it a shot, but I think because my truck has an olds 403 in it I see only 1 wire going into the distributor and I can trace that wire directly back to the ignition switch. I think my truck is actually pretty messed up regarding wiring.
I will get under the hood and give what you suggest a try, but I am not the brightest bulb when it comes to electrical things.
Thanks!
Thanks for the input. I will give it a shot, but I think because my truck has an olds 403 in it I see only 1 wire going into the distributor and I can trace that wire directly back to the ignition switch. I think my truck is actually pretty messed up regarding wiring.
I will get under the hood and give what you suggest a try, but I am not the brightest bulb when it comes to electrical things.
Thanks!
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
Got it - sorry, I had assumed you were working with the stock Duraspark ignition system. Try to list major modifications (like a non-Ford engine) when describing the problem as stuff like that has a pretty big effect on the troubleshooting path.
What kind of ignition system are you working with?
What kind of ignition system are you working with?
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