Notices
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Dentsides Ford Truck
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Moser

stopped and wouldnt start...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 11, 2005 | 02:34 PM
  #1  
Quackhead94ranger's Avatar
Quackhead94ranger
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: stevens point
stopped and wouldnt start...

i was driving my 78 f150 with a 400 in it today and came to a stop light. when i went to give it gas it died, so i tried to start it and it started but died again, so i pulled to the side of the road and tried again and it cranked real hard (like the battery was dead). i let it sit, tried again, it just turns over. so after putting on jumper cables (thinking that the battery wasnt fully charged) i tried again, it turned over better but still no start. i let it sit for 45 minutes, got in, and it started right up and drove fine. my timing isnt off (first thing i checked), carb is getting gas, havent tested it yet but im sure its getting spark. so what could it be? oh and the hose coming out of the oil filler cap was off and laying across the valve cover too.
 

Last edited by Torque1st; Jul 11, 2005 at 10:00 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2005 | 04:32 PM
  #2  
zwinstead's Avatar
zwinstead
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Hartland, MI
Hose on valve cover most likely has nothing to do with dying problem, which sounds like vapor lock. If it happens again trying using some starting fluid and see if it tries to start. If it starts then its a fuel delivery issue, most likely vapor lock this time of year. The slow cranking most likely due to bad battery connections, weak starter and/or battey amplified by the heat on the starter. Check all connections and if they are good have battery tested. If its good test alternator, if its good perform amp draw on starter when hot, if too much replace it.
 
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2005 | 05:34 PM
  #3  
53fatfndr's Avatar
53fatfndr
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 1
From: Earth
Ignition Module. My 400 in my '79 F-350 4x4 basically did the same thing. I replaced the module, now it has been fine for a number of years. If you want to be doubly sure about your symptoms, just do a search in this forum with the key phrase "ignition module" and you should come up with some different threads.
 
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2005 | 06:40 PM
  #4  
Mil1ion's Avatar
Mil1ion
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 0
Likes: 24
The problem is either ignition or Fuel delivery.

Next time it stalls,Push the accelerator linkage twice to see if there is fuel going to the venturi's.

My guess is a heating up & Failing of the Ignition modulator or the pickup inside the dizzy.

Good luck on trouble-shooting

 

Last edited by Torque1st; Jul 11, 2005 at 10:01 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2005 | 07:23 PM
  #5  
roger dowty's Avatar
roger dowty
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 0
From: western montana
ignition manual or wiring- this is a very common and, at times, complex and frustrating problem. There are numerous threads that will tell you every possibility but it's probably electrical and between the starting cylinoid and distributer. Most parts stores will test the module for you but, alas, sometimes they work sporatically. Also the connections could be the problem as it was on mine last time.

Lately my fuel pump was acting up and it would start and run for a few minutes then shut down- the difference is that it ACTS like it runs out of gas instead of instant death. Don't hesitate to use the search or send me a pm if you need more help.
 

Last edited by roger dowty; Jul 11, 2005 at 07:26 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2005 | 11:33 PM
  #6  
LottaRocka's Avatar
LottaRocka
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Sounds to me like it overheated.
 
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2005 | 12:10 PM
  #7  
Quackhead94ranger's Avatar
Quackhead94ranger
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: stevens point
thanks for the info and i ll try running some tests on said items and see what happens.
 
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2005 | 12:11 PM
  #8  
Quackhead94ranger's Avatar
Quackhead94ranger
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: stevens point
i thought it might be vapor lock or over heating. thanks for the info guys. helpful as always.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

 Brett Foote
story-2

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-7

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 12, 2005 | 02:12 PM
  #9  
Lane Dexter's Avatar
Lane Dexter
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 2
From: Rockport, WA
Ingnition modules can fail in funny ways. And the "free test" at NAPA may not necessarily tell you it's bad. Mine would die for a bit, shortly after startup.

I went to www.partsamerica.com (Parts America is tied to Schuck's) and searched for ignition modules. You get a bunch of hits, but I went for the cheapest Neihoff FF402 that came up first. I think it was $21.99 but I see it's $25.99 now.

Schuck's may whine, but they are supposed to match Parts America prices. I just printed out the page and took it to Schuck's. Try this:

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductL...l+Unit&ptset=C

Oops, just tried and it only got me to the main page. I guess you'll have to do the search yourself.

Remember, a little time spent on diagnosing beats a lot of money spent on parts.

Good Luck.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
andydunks
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
Dec 1, 2014 08:54 PM
Heifner
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Jun 21, 2013 07:35 AM
rowley
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
8
Feb 28, 2013 07:20 PM
polaris21
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Jan 14, 2009 11:23 AM
MBBFord
335 Series- 5.8/351M, 6.6/400, 351 Cleveland
31
Aug 27, 2005 11:55 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:16 PM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE