no fire

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jan 1, 2012 | 02:10 PM

D Ray

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 122

Likes: 0

From: VA

no fire

91 f-150 5.0L
I'm stumped...changed my thermostat after it stuck open and replaced the faulty temperature sender. In doing so got coolant on the motor so decided to rinse off (thought I was careful and didn't soak the cap- rinsed mostly the block and intake around the water pump and thermostat). Tried to start it and had no fire. Thought no big deal and took distributor cap off to dry it and noticed it was in rough shape. Replaced the original cap and rotor with a new one. Left it off for the afternoon to get out any moisture. Still no fire. Tried the hairdryer and still no fire. Checked and dried the plug on the ignition module on the distributor and still no fire. Tried different coil wire with no luck.

Tried again today and still no fire.

It has to be from water getting in somewhere but usually a distributor would dry fairly quick, right? Any suggestions?

Jan 1, 2012 | 04:40 PM

danr1

Lead Driver

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 5,670

Likes: 12

From: Sand Lake, MI

Getting it little wet like you did shouldn't have caused a loss of spark.

Do you have power to the coil? key in both run and start positions?

Jan 1, 2012 | 06:46 PM

D Ray

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 122

Likes: 0

From: VA

Thanks danr1 for the reply. What is the best way to check power to the coil as you describe? (I apologize in advance for my ignorance)

Thanks.

Jan 1, 2012 | 08:01 PM

danr1

Lead Driver

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 5,670

Likes: 12

From: Sand Lake, MI

Quote:

Originally Posted by D Ray

Thanks danr1 for the reply. What is the best way to check power to the coil as you describe? (I apologize in advance for my ignorance)

Thanks.

Use a meter or simple test light, check for battery voltage at Red-lt green wire "positive side" of coil with the key turned to Run and start.

If not suggests a blown fuse link (brown) at fender mounted starter relay or issue with the ignition switch itself.

If no power to coil in run or start suggests blown fuse link, if power in run but not start that would suggest the switch as the problem.

Jan 2, 2012 | 07:23 AM

D Ray

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 122

Likes: 0

From: VA

Thanks, I'll try that.

And just to be clear, it is turning over but no spark. Getting fuel but no spark.

Jan 2, 2012 | 08:18 AM

LeoJr

Cargo Master

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 2,171

Likes: 20

From: Denton, TX

This is the perfect use for WD-40. Most likely you got some inside the ignition cap, near the coil or along the wires where they are older and breaking down.

Remove the cap and give the inside a light coat of WD-40, make sure you get the underneath side with the posts too. Re-install the cap and I bet she starts. You can also spray the topside of the cap, all of the boots and around the outside of the distributor. A little attention at the coil where the wire boots into it may be helpful too.

Jan 2, 2012 | 09:36 AM

Slip ford man

Posting Guru

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 1,053

Likes: 0

From: Calverton

It's possible that the plug/connector for the distributor got a little water inside, may have damaged the PIP circuit when you powered up. Part 5 -Ford Ignition Module Test. Fender Mounted Module (ICM)....you could also check for codes, 14 I think is the PIP