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Aug 28, 2006 | 05:33 PM

bigdog50

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help please

I don't know if you can give me a hand with this but here it goes. I removed the 390 from my 68 F-100 to paint it and change the input transmission seal. Now everything is back together (looks great) but I can't get it to start. It turns over strong sounds like it is trying to fire up when I let off the key it stops like I wasn't trying to start it in the first place. As far as I can tell I haven't burnt any wires. The ballast resister is testing good, it has voltage at the positive side of the coil, and spark. I been messing with this for about a week and I'm starting to pull out my hair. Help please if you can.

Aug 28, 2006 | 08:35 PM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

Pull the aircleaner off, and while looking down the carb throat, push the throttle back with your hand. You should see two strong streams of gas pour down the engine. If you don't, you have a fuel problem.

If you have fuel, then I would pull some of the sparkplugs out and look at them. If they are wet with fuel, they could be fouled. I would get a new set and put them in and try it.

Aug 30, 2006 | 07:01 PM

bigdog50

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Ok I changed the ignition switch and the ballast resister still won't start, if I take the resister it starts right up. Will this hurt anything if I run the truck without the resister?

Aug 30, 2006 | 08:50 PM

Franklin2

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Does the coil say anything about a resistor on it's side? Some coils have the resistance built into them, so they do not require it.

Do you have a meter? What is the voltage at the coil with the resistor in place, and then with it bypassed?

The coil circuit does need the resistor someplace. Without it, the points will not last and the coil will run hot.

Last edited by Franklin2; Aug 30, 2006 at 08:52 PM.

Aug 30, 2006 | 09:52 PM

bigdog50

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It has a Accel super coil and the points have been replaced with a Petronics electronic ignition

Aug 31, 2006 | 08:45 PM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

I though I heard some of the pertronix needed the resistor, and some not. See if you can find the model you have or the instructions, and see what they say. You may not need the resistor.