We're trying to start a 61 econoline pickup (looking to buy it). It turns over, gets fuel, but no spark. Someone said ballast resistor so we bought one, but can only find a fuse thing on the side. Nothing that looks like the ceramic one we bought? Does anyone know where its located and how to test it? Thanks

 

There is no balast resistor on the 61. Is there spark coming out of the coil. If so is it sparking at the cap. It could be a bad coil.
The 61 have voltage regulators and attached to the side are usually a condensor. Also check these out. If the condensor is gone it affects the regulator on charging which also assists the spark. This is least likely, but it sounds in the coil distributor.
Check the points to make sure they are not burned a away.

 

oops! Just found out that its a 64... we were told a 61. Hubby is chomping at the bit to buy it but wants to make sure it runs okay. is the 64 like the 61? also I can't seem to find a site that lets me check the vin # for an older vehicle. Its E10TH461592. Thanks lots

 

Well I have a 64 here that I plan to restore it is in my gallery. Jimbare is good at deciphering those numbers. But I will give it a try from the manuel I have here.

E10 -Regular pick up
T -170 CID motor
H - Lorain Assembly plant
461592 - is the unit number and it is consistant with being manufactured before August of 64 when they started their 65 line.

My 64 I do believe does not have a ballast resistor either. But I will check my truck tomorrow for you. I still think the problem is in the ignition system. A ballastr resistor will usually let a vehicle start, but once you release the key from the start position the vehicle will die. That is usually how you find a ballast resistor is gone.

Good luck and if he does get the truck there are several of us here that would be willing to help where we can.

 

put the vin in, should have the decode later this evening.

econo's do not have a ballast resistor, they have a resistance wire from the switch to the coil. they do go bad, but most likely the points are corroded, shut, or just burnt up.
any idea how long its been since it ran?

 

Thanks guys for all your help! He did get it running by jumping straight to the coil from the battery. Must be a short, bad wire something.....anyway he bought it and it was delivered at 4:30 this afternoon! Kind of "fugly" if you ask me, but hubby loves it! We will likely be asking questions as we go along. Oh, no. Now he says all he needs is an old bronco and he'll be happy. (has a 68 mustang coupe, 69 F100 shortbox and now the econoline)

 

Now you will have to get some pictures and put them in your gallery that we can look at them.

 

Racerfan, please advise your hubby that using the ballast resistor is a good idea( he may already know). Coils only run on 6 volts, not 12, because of the many windings inside. If run on 12 volts for any length of time, it fuses these wires together and you will need a new coil, not to mention it will burn out the points as well.

 

New to the forum I just bought a 1967 econoline won't start owner said it was running fine and then it didn't want to start he changed the starter, solinoid, ignition. I'm thinking it's the balaster. Help please

 

Mickey you should start your own thread.
You need 3 items to run.
Fuel.
Air.
Spark.
Does it have all of these?