78 won't start
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New User
Joined: Nov 2006
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78 won't start
My son just got a 78 F-150 and we're having trouble getting it to start - any ideas would help. We replaced the battery, battery cables, cable to starter, checked starter (it's good, replaced ignition, and replaced solenoid but still can't get it to start. You can hear it click though. Any ideas? Thanks!
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
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For us there is a difference between won't start & won't crank.
Won't the starter crank or won't the engine start ?
With so many parts being replaced the only thing I can think of is Bad New battery.
What was happening with the situation before you went shopping ?
Won't the starter crank or won't the engine start ?
With so many parts being replaced the only thing I can think of is Bad New battery.
What was happening with the situation before you went shopping ?
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,248
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Sounds like a bad ground.
Verify a very clean, metal to metal connection at the negative cable connections from the battery to the engine block.
Verify a good negative ground connection at the starter motor.
Keep us posted on what was found.
Verify a very clean, metal to metal connection at the negative cable connections from the battery to the engine block.
Verify a good negative ground connection at the starter motor.
Keep us posted on what was found.
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 736
Likes: 3
From: South East, Michigan
Make sure the engine is not siezed up, attempt to turn the crankshaft by hand with a socket and ratchet. Not sure if you have had it cranking since you got it and it suddenly stopped cranking or if you bought it not running and are trying to get it running for the first time. -Ed
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 156
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From: SE Missouri
If you ever get any oil or moisture on your connections (like I did) when you are replacing them, that can cause trouble starting. I know where the battery cable connects to the starter has caused me a lot of grief when I didn't have a clean contact there. Be careful about overusing the battery too, or when you do get the problem fixed you won't have enough juice to crank it over. (did that too) Good luck
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,423
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From: Clarksville,Tn
Just pick up an 78, and learning some good stuff, I was told from one of my mentor's; these trucks are notorious for the ignition control module to go out, also possible and not as costly is the voltage regulator, can go out.
Just thinking this could help.
Let us know your findings...
Mitch
Just thinking this could help.
Let us know your findings...
Mitch
Last edited by Customcab; Nov 9, 2006 at 04:09 PM. Reason: update
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
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How about we wait until he explains himself about what the REAL problem is ?
Not Starting or Not cranking.
Ignition has nothing to do with "Not Cranking".
A "click" that he mentions is usually a click from a bad battery when he turns the key to start.
Not Starting or Not cranking.
Ignition has nothing to do with "Not Cranking".
A "click" that he mentions is usually a click from a bad battery when he turns the key to start.
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Wow, looks like I came to the right place to find help. Let me explain more in detail whats happening. We replaced the battery as the truck didn't have one. I replaced all the cables for the battery and the solenoid to starter cable due to the corrosion and fraying on the ends. I had the starter checked and it tested good. Now, when we turn the key there is an audible click that sounds like its coming from the solenoid. The starter is not turning. I've already confirmed that the engine isn't locked -up. I'll double check the connection from the negative to the block when I get home from work tommorrow. Then start tracing things down. Thanks for all the help thus far.
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