Your truck doesn't have a starter solenoid. 
Starting problems...
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Joined: May 2003
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Starting problems...
Hello I'm new to this forum. I have a question hoping someone can help me out. I have a 1980 F-150. I built and installed a 400 BB in it last year. It ran fine back before X-mas but now i can't any fire to my plugs. I've checked to see if it was getting fire to the coil and its not. I had another condencer that i tried and still nothing happened. I'm at my witts end with this truck. I love it and want to continue to buil it up. So please, any suggestion are welcome. By the way, the alt. is bad, the engine will turn over very well.
Thanks Billy
Thanks Billy
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 673
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From: Maryland
Starting problems...
Condenser? S***Can those points for an electronic setup. Duraskark ignitions are plentiful in the junk yards and the dizzy can be easily recurved for your performance mods. Better yet get ya an MSD6a w/duraspark dizzy. Cheap, mean and reliable.
If you insist on fixing the single point setup, start with a volt meter and check for voltage at the coil +. It should be 12V (or battery voltage) while cranking and somewhat less while running (key ON) due to the resistance wire that protects your points from burning up. Check all connectors and wires for damage.
Good Luck.
If you insist on fixing the single point setup, start with a volt meter and check for voltage at the coil +. It should be 12V (or battery voltage) while cranking and somewhat less while running (key ON) due to the resistance wire that protects your points from burning up. Check all connectors and wires for damage.
Good Luck.
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Starting problems...
well i don't have any fire whats so ever to the coil. I've tried running a single wire from the hot post of my cylinoyd(spelling no good) to the condencer and still nothing. no fire to my spark plugs nor distributer. This is really bumfuzzled me lol
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
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From: Memphis, TN
Starting problems...
Unless you've put on an aftermarket GM-style starter, you don't have a starter solenoid. 
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: New Hampshire USA
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Steve83,
I mean this in the best possible way. Do you think your personal crusade to educate the population on the difference between GM Soleniod starters and Ford Relay starters will ever succeed. I hope it does because I agree that incorrect and confused Jargon/definitions makes giving/following advice harder. Best of luck.
I mean this in the best possible way. Do you think your personal crusade to educate the population on the difference between GM Soleniod starters and Ford Relay starters will ever succeed. I hope it does because I agree that incorrect and confused Jargon/definitions makes giving/following advice harder. Best of luck.
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Joined: May 2003
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Starting problems...
Hey thanks eveyone for your alls input. I found my problem. Its was part the ignition control box on the driver side fender along with the pickup coil in the distributor. So, I went with a totally new distributor. It runs better than ever lol. I love my 400 BB. Hey, by the way how hard would it be to change my truck over to a 4x4? 1980 ford f-150 400 BB C-6 trans. Also, if i don't go with a 4x4 right now what gear ratio is best in this truck. I don't Ford ratios just yet. lol. Thanks
Billy
Billy
