engine wont crank, need help!
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New User
Joined: Nov 2010
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engine wont crank, need help!
so i have a 77 with the 400, auto. i have been having some issues arising that i cannot figure out. at first the truck would start up and run, but once hot it would have a tough time starting and cranking if i shut it off until it cooled a bit. the other day it quit cranking at all. i have done some research and tried a new battery, a charge, a jump, a new starter and a new starter solenoid. when this issue was first happening the lights and radio would work, today i replaced the solenoid and no lights or radio will work. anyone have any ideas? any help is appreciated!
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 290
Likes: 1
From: Southern Ohio
Sounds like you may have some issues in the wiring harness. and just cause a solenoid or starter is new dosent mean they are good. When I changed mine it took 6 trys to get a good solenoid. Also when I lost power to everything my battery cable had a short in it, turn your radio up loud and jiggle the cables. New battery cables will probly fix it.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 813
Likes: 6
From: Up Nort Minnesota
cables, clamps, ground.
clean the posts, clean the clamps, if they are the universal clamps that use a plate and 2 1/4 inch bolts to squeeze down on the cable strands.. take them apart and clean that too.
Now, your ground to the block from negative post, see if it's loose. Tighten that nut or bolt that fastens it to the block and r crimp the connector with a big pliers or vice grip.
It's likely the ground, but check all that other stuff too.
clean the posts, clean the clamps, if they are the universal clamps that use a plate and 2 1/4 inch bolts to squeeze down on the cable strands.. take them apart and clean that too.
Now, your ground to the block from negative post, see if it's loose. Tighten that nut or bolt that fastens it to the block and r crimp the connector with a big pliers or vice grip.
It's likely the ground, but check all that other stuff too.
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New User
Joined: Nov 2010
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thanks for the tips everyone. the starting problem has been solved, although the exact issue is unknown, but now i have another problem. the truck wont stay running or start once warmed up to running temperature. this was the problem i was having before and i cant seem to figure it out. it runs and starts great when cold and ive adjusted the carb all around and it doesnt make a difference. any ideas? thanks again!
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 60
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wait ... I bet it it that old orignal holly thats messing with your motor? ! or smog pump belt, temp gauge failure or thermostat. I'd start in that area
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MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
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From: Austin, TX
What do you mean "adjusted the carb all around?" What specifically was done? At first glance, sounds like a stuck choke. What is the choke doing as the engine warms up?
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New User
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thanks everyone,
i dont have a holley, its a motorcraft 2150. battery is good as i have a few lying around and a shop to charge, etc. 1000+ cca is plenty for that truck i would imagine. as far as the carb goes i have adjusted the idle screw and mixture screws and the choke to see if anything changed the deal but nothing worked. the choke is working properly as the engine warms up. when it first starts up it purrs and sounds great but when it gets up to or near operating temperature itll die when i leave it idling and wont start up at that point, but it sounds great and shows no signs of quitting until that point.
i dont have a holley, its a motorcraft 2150. battery is good as i have a few lying around and a shop to charge, etc. 1000+ cca is plenty for that truck i would imagine. as far as the carb goes i have adjusted the idle screw and mixture screws and the choke to see if anything changed the deal but nothing worked. the choke is working properly as the engine warms up. when it first starts up it purrs and sounds great but when it gets up to or near operating temperature itll die when i leave it idling and wont start up at that point, but it sounds great and shows no signs of quitting until that point.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Cave Spring Georgia
Check your coil, If they overheat they will quit working till they cool off. I would replace it and take it out of the guess work. When is the last time you did a good tune up? Plugs, wires, rotor/rotor cap? Tune ups seem to make a huge difference to these trucks.
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last time i did a good tune up was about a year and a half ago but it isnt my DD and hasnt gotten too many miles put on since as i dont have to go very far for much where i live when i did use it. guess ill keep tinkering and swapping parts.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
Have you tried putting a vacuum gauge on it? Otherwise you're shooting in the dark. I assume by the time the engine warms up, the choke plate is completely vertical? How long does the choke take to open completely? What setting is the choke cap at?
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 290
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From: Southern Ohio
If it has electronic ignition I would bet its the ignition module. My 78 f100 would run perfect then it would just quit running. A friend of mine told me to unbolt the ignition module and smell it and if it smelled like burnt peanut butter it was bad or if the silicone was melting... Bought a new one at autozone for 28 bucks and the truck starts and runs perfect everytime. But this wouldent cause your engine not to crank. You have 2 or more problems that need to be identified! Keep at it and youll find the issue.
Heres what my melted ignition module looked like.
Heres what my melted ignition module looked like.
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