'68 F-100
240 CID 6 cyl
3 spd manual
Basic truck, no frills

Greetings All - I am having problems with the old Ford and need some troubleshooting ideas. Here's how it the problem(s) presents itself... they may or may not be related:

- over the past year or so, many times if I turn the key in the ignition it just clicks as if a dead battery... but if I tap the solenoid a few times with a screwdriver handle then turn the key, it starts right up. Also sometimes key an arc at the solenoid. Battery is good and charged up.

- I don't drive the truck much (500 mi per year) but took it out a couple of weeks ago. After driving a short distance, it began bucking and lurching. I pulled over and then it would not start up. After about 1/2 hour, I got it started again but same character...so I pulled it home.

- Suspecting something electrical was failing, I replacing the coil first then condenser. The same problem persisted (bucking and lurching) so I put original parts back in. Now the engine cranks but does not start.

- Suspecting a fuel problem, I disconnected the fuel hose from the carb... it seemed to be pumping plenty of fuel... 1/4 of a mayo jar in a few seconds.

So that is where I am now. Could it be a failing ignition switch cutting in and out while driving? Could a failing solenoid cause the problems as I've described? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

WB

 

Sounds like the battery cable is not making a good connection at the starter solenoid. Take the cable off and clean the connections of all of the wires there.
You may have to replace to battery cable.

 

I agree. It sounds like your no start and the bucking and jerking may be related. I don't know about the older trucks, but with the little bit newer ones, they have to have a spot where they tap off the battery + for power for the whole truck. This is usually a smaller wire underneath the larger wire connected to the battery + terminal on the solenoid.

 

OK... we're up and running again.. this is how it played out. The original coil was bad and even though that was the first thing I changed out, it replacement was bad. I put in a second new coil and it fired right up... no more bucking which apparently was the coil failing.

 

Most times it is merely a corroded connection.

Maintaining quality corossion control at all battery and igition connection assures efficient operation.