Why won't it crank?
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Joined: Dec 2012
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Why won't it crank?
I just bought a 77 ford f-150 with a 400 in it. The guy I bought it from replaced the coil and ignition because it wouldn't crank. After replacing those the truck ran like a top, I have been driving it around my house an it started sputtering out cause it was out of gas an I got more gas an now won't crank. It's getting gas an I have cleaned carb once it gets to much gas it backfires. It acts like it wants to crank but it won't. I took out # 1 spark plug an put to top dead center an checked timing, seems to be ok Why should I do? Thank in advance
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Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Suburbs of Chicago
I'm guessing when you ran it out of gas, you sucked crap up into the carb and into the needle/seat and now its being blocked open.
Two ways to go at this-
1) temporary and cheap - do the old "sucky sucky". If you can get the engine to run, raise the rpms and then have someone put a rag over the throat of the carb until the engine dies. It should suck some of the crap out because of the high vacuum you just created.
2) long term, more expensive - rebuild the carburetor.
Two ways to go at this-
1) temporary and cheap - do the old "sucky sucky". If you can get the engine to run, raise the rpms and then have someone put a rag over the throat of the carb until the engine dies. It should suck some of the crap out because of the high vacuum you just created.
2) long term, more expensive - rebuild the carburetor.
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Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Southern Ohio
Are you saying the motor will crank over all day and the truck wont start or are you saying when you try to start it nothing happens at all? If it wont crank at all check battery, cables, solenoid, starter and ignition switch. If it cranks then check the ignition module, coil, distributor cap and the carb float. Maybe this thread should be renamed "Why wont it start" 
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Joined: Nov 2012
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Had a similar issue on my 69 mustang. My dad had put 2 of the plug wires on backwards... It actually ended up catching on fire during a backfire in the carb. (I put it out promptly). Not likely but just a thought. I would suspect the distributor. or (since it ran out of gas) the fuel pump / filter. When you run these old beasts out of gas you get a nice rust clog.
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Yes. I cleaned the pin an seats out. It was all full of dirt maybe I didn't clean it good enough, and yes it turns over an when you pump the accelerator it sounds like it wants to crank but it won't so I think I have fire but it has me confused thinking maybe the new ignition or coil is bad again.
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No I don't have a spark tester. I'll get one today an test spark. If its getting spark should I change my plugs? Maybe they are fouled out?
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I replaced all plugs. And after I turn the motor over trying to start it I pulled the plugs out an the back to on each side of the motor are fouling out. But I tested #1 spark plug and I am getting spark there. Still acting as of it wants to start But jot doesn't.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Southern Ohio
I bet the float has a hole in it and your over primeing the engine and flooding it out. Next time pump it twice and see if it starts, if not hold the pedal to the floor while trying to start it. It would be better if we knew what carb your using and pics are always fun to look at. 