Hello, I have a 1977 F-150 Custom, auto, 4x4, 351M with more miles on it then the speedo can remember. It has less then 5000 miles on rebuilt engine, and tranny. However it sat for 8 years, and I just put a new carb on it and she would run good. Also new in the last 100 miles - spark plugs, dist cap, rotor, air filter, fuel filter, fuel pump, fuzzy dice.

One day it was a blizzard outside and -20 temps. She started with a little cranking, then I busted through some snow drifts to get out of my driveway. (a lot of snow in the engine bay). About 100 feet after my driveway she just died, and will crank and turn over but won't start. That was 2 weeks ago.

I cleared most of the snow out, still a good amount in there. I took a heat gun to my carb to melt anything that might be frozen in there. My gas is almost new, and has SeaFoam in it. I did a squirt of Either down the carb but she won't even try to start.

So, with temps still around 0 outside and no helper, what should I check on next to get it going? Should I pull the coil wire and see if I get spark there? I have done some searches and looks like Ignition Module would be a place to start?

Thanks in advance

 

There is no reason to suspect the ignition module in the absence of any actual diagnosis or troubleshooting.

Yes, you should check for spark. If you do not have spark, there are several steps to check first before suspecting the ignition module.

 

First thing I would change is the fuzzy dice.

 

Sounds like there is still moisture from the snow that could be in the distributor cap. Take that off and make sure it's dry.

 

Changed fuzzy dice from red to black. No change

Opened up dist cap and it is nice and dry. No start still

To check for spark, should I take the coil wire off and see if it comes from there? Or how is the best way to check for spark?

Thanks again.

 

The safest and easiest way is to use a spark tester. In the absence of a spark tester, you can unplug the center wire from the distributor cap, insert a flat-blade screwdriver up into the wire boot, and hold the screwdriver shaft close to the block. Check for a solid blue spark while a friend cranks the engine. Stay clear of the fan and don't lean on any sheetmetal.

 

And have a spare change of drawers in case you do touch anything metal.