Trouble starting
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New User
Joined: Mar 2013
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Trouble starting
Hello,
I have a 1979 Ford F150. I refer to him as Brutus.
I am having trouble starting him sometimes. Somedays he will start just fine but most days he will turn on but the engine won't start. I've checked the spark plugs and wires are fine but I can't figure it out. It'll click but it won't catch.
Please let me know if anyone knows what I can do or what it could be.
I was left with this truck from a divorce and I am trying my best to keep up with it. It is my only form of transportation. I spend so much time trying to learn a thing or two about it. I am willing to try anything because the auto shop wants to charge me a $100 an hour to diagnose it. I would like to figure this out myself first and if all else fails I will take it in.
Thank you in advance
-Kristy
I have a 1979 Ford F150. I refer to him as Brutus.
I am having trouble starting him sometimes. Somedays he will start just fine but most days he will turn on but the engine won't start. I've checked the spark plugs and wires are fine but I can't figure it out. It'll click but it won't catch.
Please let me know if anyone knows what I can do or what it could be.
I was left with this truck from a divorce and I am trying my best to keep up with it. It is my only form of transportation. I spend so much time trying to learn a thing or two about it. I am willing to try anything because the auto shop wants to charge me a $100 an hour to diagnose it. I would like to figure this out myself first and if all else fails I will take it in.
Thank you in advance
-Kristy
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,217
Likes: 506
From: Pa.
First determine batteries state of charge .. if you don't have a charger borrow one or take it to auto zone or some place they won't charge you for testing .. Leave it if it needs charge and you can't find one to borrow .. If you need instructions how to charge it just say so and we will go from there .. There are many youtube videos to help with the basics for example
Let me google that for you
Having a fully charged battery will take you to the next steps in determining where we go from there .. Post back with any questions or progress
Let me google that for you
Having a fully charged battery will take you to the next steps in determining where we go from there .. Post back with any questions or progress
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Thank you so much for replying.
I did get a new battery because the old one I had for it was for a smaller vehicle and since then it actually turned on perfectly. Now it just clicks and won't catch.
Again, thank you so much for replying
I did get a new battery because the old one I had for it was for a smaller vehicle and since then it actually turned on perfectly. Now it just clicks and won't catch.
Again, thank you so much for replying
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 8,501
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From: Lynchburg, VA
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 628
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From: in the middle of nowhere
Shot in the dark here ... if it happened after the battery switcherooo. I would say your battery cables are not clean and tight. It may have enough connection to run lights, radio, etc. But the high amp draw of the starter just causes a click then opens the circuit.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,217
Likes: 506
From: Pa.
We still have to be sure the battery has a good charge .. Have you done that ? Next you will make sure that both terminals of the battery as well as the cable connections to the battery are corrosion free .. check the negative cable has a corrosion free connection to the engine block ..
that red wire goes to the "-" side of the battery
and the positive lead to the selenoid is tight
it is the copper stud on the left in pic ..
Verify those things and then try starting .. Post back with any progress or questions
that red wire goes to the "-" side of the battery
and the positive lead to the selenoid is tight
it is the copper stud on the left in pic ..Verify those things and then try starting .. Post back with any progress or questions
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
Please clarify what you mean by "won't catch." Are you saying the engine turns over but does not start, or the engine does not turn over at all? These are two separate problems with two very different troubleshooting paths. Your description makes it sound like the engine does not even turn over which seems to be what every one else seems to think too, but the fact that you are talking about spark plugs and plug wires are steps one would take if the engine turns over but does not start. That's why I am confused. Please quantify exactly how the truck's behavior does not coincide with your expectations.
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Hello everyone, I haven't replied because financially I was not able to get the part I needed and it was the starter.
I am blown away because the first time I took it in a month back with the same problem and he said the starter was fine. I replaced the starter and kelonoid wire for it and it has been starting up amazingly!
I checked the battery like above posts have said and there wasn't anything wrong with it. So I bought me a 79 ford Manuel from Haynes and was putting little pieces together and in the end decided to change the starter and he starts perfectly now. It's been 3 days and not a problem (knock on wood)
Thank you everyone sooooooooo much.
I am blown away because the first time I took it in a month back with the same problem and he said the starter was fine. I replaced the starter and kelonoid wire for it and it has been starting up amazingly!
I checked the battery like above posts have said and there wasn't anything wrong with it. So I bought me a 79 ford Manuel from Haynes and was putting little pieces together and in the end decided to change the starter and he starts perfectly now. It's been 3 days and not a problem (knock on wood)
Thank you everyone sooooooooo much.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 332
From: Arlington,Wa
Glad to hear you got him running. That's funny you call your truck a he, cuz most here refer to their trucks in the female persona. Also glad you found this website. There's a wealth of knowledge here and these cats are more than willing to help.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 266
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From: Idaho
I was thinking the same thing! Maybe its cuz the OP is female? I don't have a name for my truck per se...just Ol'e girl or old blue...
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