I bought a 1984 f150 2wd 302 4 speed. It test drove good this morning, drove it to work and stopped for gas and now it won't start. It will turn over but won't start. Any ideas on where to start looking. Thanks

 

Start with basics - Air Fuel Spark
Choke stuck?
Getting Spark?
Fuel getting to engine (Carburetor)

 

Sounds like mechanical fuel pump diaphragm ripped. Does the oil smell like gas?
Oil level "too high"?

 

Thanks, I will be starting on it tomorrow,

 

Ok guys I got home this morning and its pretty cold out. truck started right up. Any ideas?

 

when it wouldn't start would it make noise and try to turn over or would it not do anything?

 

Does it have a duraspark ignition system?

A common mode of failure for the ignition module (duraspark "box") is for it to work okay cold, but fail when warm. Cranks but no spark...typical of a bad box.

You can pull the box and have it tested but when they work cold and fail hot it'll probably test okay because it's cold.

If you do replace it get a good one, maybe from NAPA. The cheap boxes can be pretty crappy / low quality.

 

It would turn over, but wouldn't start.

 

If and when ya take the DS box off and in to have it tested I take a good hair dryer
along and heat it so hot ya can hardly hold it. Than test it on the parts store gizmo.
Works for me. Also a failing ignition coil can act the same. My bet is on your DS box.
But do some trouble shooting to confirm it.

Make sure you are getting fuel and not flooding it.
Check for spark when it wont start.
Smell the oil dip stick for gas if the Fuel pump diaphragm is torn.
Things like that.
If it is the DS11 box than be sure to get the best one ya can find.
Made in Mexico is good and is Ford OEM replacement. Made in China is chit com chit
and may not work out of the box. Napa Echelon or how ever ya spell it is good
quality also. Or has been for me. Regardless where it's made have it tested before ya
leave the store where ya buy it.

Also if ya can get yer hands on some dry ice take a bag with ya on yer next
test run or run it in your drive. When it fails cool the DS box with the dry ice.
Or even water and if it starts ya found the problem. Ya don't need the DS
box bolted to the fender to try it. So when it stops at home unplug it and put in in
yer freezer for 5 minutes. Several ways to cool it down and test it Bud.