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Intermittent starting issue

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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 02:34 PM
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Intermittent starting issue

I have a 1976 F-100 with a '69 351. It will not start consistently. When it starts it runs great, but is seems to me it loses it's aprk. I am using a MSD coil and ready to run distributor. I have replaced the battery, selenoid, coil and ignition switch. There is no NSS. I have checked and cleaned the grounds on the distributor, coil, battery, etc.

I am getting 11.9 voits at the coil and at the distibutor. I am geting plenty of gas and when it starts it will run just fine, but when i turn it off it will not start again for 10-15 minutes.

It seems to be worse in the cold weather. Anyone have any ideas, I am at the end of my rope with what to do next?
 
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 02:35 PM
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I have also checked the fuses and the fuse block for corrosion and bad fuses.
 
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 02:38 PM
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What do you mean by "it will not start again?"

Does it crank but not fire? What carb are you running and when was the last time it was rebuilt? Does it act flooded when it fails to start? It could be a leaky power valve allowing the fuel bowl to drain and flood the engine. Only after the fuel in the manifold burns off will it start... about 15 minutes on a warm engine.
 
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 02:39 PM
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Not starting, as in not cranking or cranking, but not firing?
 
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 02:58 PM
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.. and double-check the MSD wiring:

 
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 03:35 PM
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Originally Posted by HIO Silver
What do you mean by "it will not start again?"

Does it crank but not fire? What carb are you running and when was the last time it was rebuilt? Does it act flooded when it fails to start? It could be a leaky power valve allowing the fuel bowl to drain and flood the engine. Only after the fuel in the manifold burns off will it start... about 15 minutes on a warm engine.
Thanks and Yes, it cranks just fine but willnot fire. The carb was rebuilt within the last 12 months. it has only 300 miles on it. I would not say the engine is warm because it may only run for 5 minutes then I trun it off and try to crank it with no luck.
 
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 03:37 PM
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Originally Posted by AK FORD GUY
Not starting, as in not cranking or cranking, but not firing?
Thanks and yes, it crank but will not fire. Sometimes it sounds like it is going to fire, like an instant of fire, then just cranks and cranks. This is makes me say I think it is losing spark. Its like something is not connecting.
 
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 03:39 PM
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Originally Posted by HIO Silver
.. and double-check the MSD wiring:

Roger that. I checked the wiring and it appears to be okay. I ran the truck one day and parked it for a few days, the next time I went to start it, it would not start. I can start it sometimes, but when I turn it off, it will not start again.
 
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 04:02 PM
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You seem convinced that it is a spark related issue. Have you actually checked for spark? If so, how are you doing it, and what do you see?
 
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 05:21 PM
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Originally Posted by fmc400
You seem convinced that it is a spark related issue. Have you actually checked for spark? If so, how are you doing it, and what do you see?
I have checked the shade tree mechanic way way, screw driver in the #1 spark plug wire, and the same way at the distributor from coil. I dont know the strength of the spark, just that I am getting spark.
 
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 05:45 PM
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Good spark is bright blue; if it starts looking orange then there are issues.
 
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 06:38 PM
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I'd maybe double check the ground and make sure its a good one.
 
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