'81 F350 starting problems
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,643
Likes: 8
From: NE Texas
'81 F350 starting problems
I have a 1981 F350 dually with a 351W engine. Been sitting up for awhile and thoiught i'd sell it. Went out to crank it and it wouild only try to start when i let off the key. Never did crank. Checked all connections don't see any buildup. Put new solenoid on - no help. Got new gas filters, new this new that. Anybody ever had this problem?
Also has RV cam, Headers, 650 Holley.
Also has RV cam, Headers, 650 Holley.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
'81 F350 starting problems
It's corrosion inside the ignition switch - it's not powering up the ignition system until the switch moves to the RUN position, but that's too late for the engine to get up & run. Cycling the key may clean the terminals enough for it to run, but you'll probably have trouble until you put in a new switch. They're cheap & easy - just look here.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,643
Likes: 8
From: NE Texas
'81 F350 starting problems
Yea, looked at that, but looking ain't good enough. Will check that out - Thanks
Another thing - sometimes after getting it started - it dies and won't hit a lick. I can wiggle the wires from the Brain to the distributor cap and it will start. Just replace that particular harness too - Upset me that the same thing was happening. Guess this could also be ignition switch - Reckon?
Another thing - sometimes after getting it started - it dies and won't hit a lick. I can wiggle the wires from the Brain to the distributor cap and it will start. Just replace that particular harness too - Upset me that the same thing was happening. Guess this could also be ignition switch - Reckon?
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
'81 F350 starting problems
Come to think of it, it COULD be in the connector to the ignition module on the wheelwell. There's one wire used during cranking and another used during normal running. The Haynes manual wiring diagrams show which.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,643
Likes: 8
From: NE Texas
'81 F350 starting problems
Thanks, steve83. Think I'll replace that ig switch first off, then go and get ANOTHER wiring harness. Of course I'll take the other back and get it replaced.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
'81 F350 starting problems
I'd test it first and identify the problem. Just swapping parts is expensive & time-consuming, and it rarely solves the problem.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 126
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From: Alaska
'81 F350 starting problems
Steve,
No comments on the use of the term solenoid? You feeling sick or did you just plain give up? Got the door pockets painted and installed and they look great. Thanks again for the help.
Bruce
No comments on the use of the term solenoid? You feeling sick or did you just plain give up? Got the door pockets painted and installed and they look great. Thanks again for the help.
Bruce
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