1978 F150 4x4 w/ 460 + C6
This is a truck I've had for a couple months, and trying to get it back into roadworthy shape.
Engine is turning over, but won't start.
Every problem I almost fix, another one pops up.

After headers were installed, I had to move the steering column up a few inches for the steering shaft to clear them. This involved having to adjust the linkage, so the gear display at the steering wheel is off by a notch. Reverse is indicated when it is actually in Park, and so on. However, it goes from gear to gear with no problem, as far as I can tell.

At that point, I had trouble getting it into gear without it dying. While trying to figure that out, the starter pinion sheared off and I replaced the starter. I pulled the pushrods and checked them. They were straight. I replaced them, and changed the oil. I haven't been able to get it started since, but it turns over fine.

Questions:
Electrical: Could I have screwed something up with the NSS while I was adjusting the transmission linkage? I've tried starting in all different gears and while jiggling the gearshift.

Spark: Battery is fairly new, and shows 12.8v while just sitting. No voltage drop through grounds. All wires checked and connections cleaned and tightened. When cranking, spark tester shows spark on each plug, but possibly is not as bright as it should be? I'm not sure how to judge this.

When cranking, shows about 9v at the battery and at the S terminal. Shows about 12v at the I terminal when cranking. Battery is a cheaper one with only 525cca. When using a battery booster that provides 850cca, it turned over a lot stronger, but still wouldn't start.

Plugs and wires are recent, and I haven't changed anything with the distributor, timing, or anything related to ignition since the last time it was running well.
Should I investigate the ignition module or ignition switch?


3. Fuel is getting to the carb well, and going into the jets well. Have also tried pouring a small amount of fuel in and using starting fluid. Fuel is less than two months old.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

you pulled the "rods" do you mean pushrods? the NSS would only affect cranking (the starter turning the engine)...if it is cranking, the NSS is not the problem

 

Thanks. Pushrods. Fixed.