I am working on my 69 bronco. I backed off the brakes with the adjuster so I could move the bronco into the garage. I thought I would just start it and slowly move it in with the brakes out of adjustment. When I went to start it I could not. So first I put in new spark plugs because the 302 has been sitting idle for 10 years. I removed the coil wire and turned the engine over a few time to get the oil flowing again. I hooked back up the coil but could not get it to start after I put new plugs in. I sprayed a little starter fluid in and still nothing but winding out of the engine. I went to the parts store and bought new wires, cap, rotors, and coil. Still nothing. I could not see if it was getting spark or not. I know there is points and a condensor, would these not allow it to start. I probably will replace these tomorrow, but I still would like your or anyones advice!!

Thanks Kevin

 

On no starts I always check for the 2 basics. Fuel and Spark. You mentioned no spark or you could not see one so I'm assuming you got fuel but no spark from the coil wire. Check to see it you have power to your Pos. terminal of your ignition coil when key is in the ON position. Also pop your cap off and see it the points are not stuck open and that they are set correctly (I think its .018-.020). 10 years is a long time. If you're having trouble veiwing for spark while cranking in the drivers seat, you can leave the key on and crank your engine by shorting your starter solenoid terminals to view for spark at the engine compartment. Jason will have much more advice for your shortly so hang tight and good luck.

Mike

 

Thanks I will try that this afternoon.

Kevin

 

As Mike said, you need fuel, spark, along with timing and compression for the engine to run. Assuming the base engine is in good shape and the timing hasn't been played with since it was parked. If you gave it a little starting fluid and it still wouldn't attempt to fire, you are on the right track with ignition.
Since it has been sitting for so long, I would definetely replace the points and condenser.

You should have 12 volts on the positive side of the coil. While the engine is cranking, you should have a distinct flash with a test light on the negative side of the coil. This will give you a good idea that the points and that the primary side of the ignition is working.
If you can, get someone to crank the engine while you check for spark at the coil and check the primary. If not, jumping the solenoid like Mike recommended is a good idea. Just make sure it is in neutral. Not that I would know anything about what happens if you forget

I would recommend flushing the fuel system, changing the fuel filter and putting new fuel in.

Hopefully that will give you a start.
Jason

 

I put new fuel in, I will change the filter now. It was empy or very close when I brought it home. I am going out now to replace the condensor and points. Thanks for the help....Kevin

 

Ok, I put in new fuel filter. I also put in the new condensor along with points. I was told to adjust the gap to 21thousands. I hope this was right. I put on a timing guage, before I started. As we expected there was no spark. I changed everything out, put back on the timing light and quess what? Wrong, Plenty of spark now. I gave it a spray of starting fluid and she started up. Not for long though. the gas lines were empty so I had to prime them up a bit. Once I saw it pumping gas on its own, I had to stop. The fuel pump works great, pumping it high into the air. I now have to rebuild the carb, but what a sweeeeeett sound while she was started. I took the carb acrossed the road to Story Motors. He build the best engines around. Nice having him right next door. He is going to rebuild the carb. I got a rebuild kit from NAPA. I will drop it off to him in the AM. Thenks for the helpl. I will be out of town starting tomorrow at 10 am, you know Massillon Tigers (high school football), Home of Paul Brown. This is where he got his start coaching our beloved Tiger. We play Cincinnati Moeller. Finally a real test. Our First two games 68-6. 59-6. Go Tigers!, and thanks again for the help!!
Kevin