360 Engine won't start
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New User
Joined: Dec 2003
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won't start, please help
I have a 1976 f-150 with a 360 in it and am having a bit of a problem getting it started. My problems started one day while I was driving about 55-60mph and the motor acted like it had stopped getting fuel. the truck never died, just "hit a wall" so to speak. when I let off of the gas pedal, the motor would idle at a normal rate but even the lightest push of the pedal, it would fall on it's face, it was literally crawling down the road. I got the truck home and the next day went out and started it, it started fine and I could revv the motor and it seemed o.k. as long as it was sitting still, but when I went to drive it, same thing. The first thing I did was replace the fuel pump, (didn't help). I have since then put an in-line filter in and have cleaned and rebuilt the carb., but the truck will not start now. I have changed the spark plugs and have double-checked the firing order. The motor will crank over at normal speed but will not start. If I put starting fluid in the carb., it will spit and sputter but not start. can anyone please help, it's my only form of transportation right now and need to get it going. what should I be looking for ? p.s. (plugs are getting fire)
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 328
Likes: 4
My first guess would be the ignition module (I think that's what it's called, it's on the driver side fender under the hood) or maybe even the ignition switch.
This is assuming you've ruled out fuel delivery (i.e. getting fuel to the carb), and spark.
My 2 cents...hope it helps.
This is assuming you've ruled out fuel delivery (i.e. getting fuel to the carb), and spark.
My 2 cents...hope it helps.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 126
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From: kentucky
My two cents,
Had the same problem, touch the peddle and it would shut down. Will it start with putting fuel in the carb. You put in an inline fuel filter. Did it have a filter on it prior to the new one? If not what carb are you using. If the carb has a filter installed internally, pull it out and clean it. It sounds like a fuel issue. You have something clogged up. Youre gonna have to trace the fuel line from the tank to the carb. If no filters are found, its probably inside the carb. I'm not an expert so the other guys, like Torque could guide you better. It just sounds similar to the problem I had. Good luck friend.
Had the same problem, touch the peddle and it would shut down. Will it start with putting fuel in the carb. You put in an inline fuel filter. Did it have a filter on it prior to the new one? If not what carb are you using. If the carb has a filter installed internally, pull it out and clean it. It sounds like a fuel issue. You have something clogged up. Youre gonna have to trace the fuel line from the tank to the carb. If no filters are found, its probably inside the carb. I'm not an expert so the other guys, like Torque could guide you better. It just sounds similar to the problem I had. Good luck friend.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 886
Likes: 1
From: Houston/Hope BC
There is a filter screen in the gas tank, but it normally falls apart before it clogs. Have you pulled the fuel line at the carb and observed flow, it takes can some RPM to get one primed up right. You might try filling the float bowl through the vent and seeing if it will run a while. GL
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,043
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I agree that this sounds like a fuel issue. You said you have spark at the plugs so that tends to rule out the ignition amplifier box. Spark, Fuel, and Air are what you need to run. Sounds like you have 2 of the 3. Check the fuel. Some of the FE engines had a fuel filter on the fuel pump. Look for a small can mounted on the bottom of the pump that spinns off. Also Mine has a filter that screws into the carb. I'm not aware of any other stock locations, but a previous owner may have added one.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,735
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From: TX
id go with the ignition module or the pick-up coil inside the distributor. ive had the same probs.
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Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 6
From: SD
Look down the carb (with key off) and move the throttle. You should see two streams of fuel shooting inside the carb. If you don't see them, then you are not getting fuel. Which could be dry tank, bad pump, plugged filter or needle/seat/float set incorrectly inside carb.
Lxman1 has a good point. Turn the engine by hand and line up the timing mark to 0 on the harmonic balancer. Then remove the dist cap and check that the rotor is pointed to the wire from cylinder #1. This will tell you if the timing chain has slipped.
Tell us what you find and we'll go from there.
Marty
Lxman1 has a good point. Turn the engine by hand and line up the timing mark to 0 on the harmonic balancer. Then remove the dist cap and check that the rotor is pointed to the wire from cylinder #1. This will tell you if the timing chain has slipped.
Tell us what you find and we'll go from there.
Marty
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Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Dec 2003
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thanks for the help guys, I guess I didn't mention that I am getting fuel to the carb, (took off line and checked), I put the in-line filter in cause it only had a screw in type at the carb and I wasn't satisfied with it being the only one. I have the stock 2100-d carb (2 barrel). Fuel pump has been changed but does not have can type filter. I will check timing as requested by 73custom and will keep you posted. thanks alot, and I will get back with you.
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New User
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I have checked the rotor position and it seems as if my timing chain has slipped. Although I still have a few questions. the timing marks on the balancer seem to read as follows
/ . . . . / . . . . / . . . . / . . . . /
10 10 10 20 30
I could just be reading it wrong but it appears to have three 10deg. marks does it? and if so why? but anyway, I put the pointer on the middle 10deg. mark and the rotor button is pointing at my no. 2 plug wire. Is this my 0deg. mark? and finally should I do anything else before taking her apart?
/ . . . . / . . . . / . . . . / . . . . /
10 10 10 20 30
I could just be reading it wrong but it appears to have three 10deg. marks does it? and if so why? but anyway, I put the pointer on the middle 10deg. mark and the rotor button is pointing at my no. 2 plug wire. Is this my 0deg. mark? and finally should I do anything else before taking her apart?
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 967
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From: Southern NJ
If moving the timing to the correct place, i.e. timing chain fix doesn't solve the problem, even though it "should" still check to make sure gas is getting through your carb by working the throttle while staring down the throat. Just because fuel is getting to the carb,, doesn't mean the carb is working properly.