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Mar 23, 2006 | 12:35 PM

streetrodcreed

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newbie with a problem

i just bought an 87 f150 that had a blown 351. i had an 85 302 FI from a t-bird given to me for the swap. this is what i have Holley 4160 just rebuilt a weiand action plus intake. i rebuilt the motor with a rering kit using premium rings. new distributor (duraspark 2 for an 84 f150) new cap rotor and coil. i rebuilt the engine in ohio and drove here to NY a couple of weeks ago. couple nights ago i rebuilt the carb think the choke was stuck closed oil smelled bad of gas.

Now the problem when i put the carb back on and tried to start the truck it doest start. i can smell gas in the carb but doesnt seem to be sparking so i bought a new coil this morning thinking it could have been bad (didnt change it with rebuild) it still wouldnt start.

im new to fords this is my first shot at it if anyone could help that would be great. thanks

Mar 23, 2006 | 12:42 PM

Kemicalburns

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Joined: Jul 2002

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From: Bend,OR

is the firing order correct? did you install the dizzy at tdc?

Mar 23, 2006 | 02:11 PM

MrG4x4

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Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 140

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From: Seattle

Are you saying the engine turns over, but nothing else happens? Firing order and timing could be an issue, but first verify you are getting a spark. You can pull a plug wire off a spark plug and place it near a grounding source and see if you get a spark when cranking the engine. Unless you have something like a rag stuffed in the carb or intake manifold it sounds like you have enough air and gas, so all you need is a spark.

Even if your timing and firing order are all wrong, if the spark plugs are firing I would think you would get some kind of indication that the spark plugs are in fact trying to ignite the air fuel mixture in the cylinders.

Mar 23, 2006 | 03:21 PM

MustangGT221

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Joined: Nov 2001

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From: Topsfield, MA

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrG4x4

Even if your timing and firing order are all wrong, if the spark plugs are firing I would think you would get some kind of indication that the spark plugs are in fact trying to ignite the air fuel mixture in the cylinders.

Not true...if those are wrong it could very well not fire at all and act like there is no spark.

If you've got the firing order mixed up - it'll probably kick or even run but not run right. If the timing is wrong, it may not run at all or backfire up the intake or hardly run...

Check your basics like firing order, make sure the timing is right (#1 TDC, #1 rotor), make sure you're getting spark, make sure it's got fuel (look to see if the carb is spraying), check the plugs to see if they're wet (could of flooded it)....etc etc...

Mar 23, 2006 | 03:35 PM

subford

Fleet Owner

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 23,667

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From: Easton,Ks

If you drove it from Ohio to NY and now you have no spark I think I would change out the Ignition Module.

If that does not work for you then I would go after the pickup coil inside the Distributor.

Mar 23, 2006 | 04:40 PM

MrG4x4

Mountain Pass

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 140

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From: Seattle

I stand corrected. If the timing is off enough it is definately possible for the engine to turn over without their being any sign of spark even when there is.

Mar 23, 2006 | 10:44 PM

streetrodcreed

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thanks guys i have the wires right i double checked those and the distributor is a remanufactured from advance and im pretty sure its close on timing cause it started prior to rebuilding carb but ran rough thats why i rebuilt the carb (choke was sticking i think). i will check in the morning to see if i am getting spark to the wires i didnt check that yet. thanks for the help guys i will let ya know on the progress.