Hello All,
I'm hoping to get some help. I have a 1975 f100 Custom Explorer with a 360. It usually starts up and runs fine after a few minutes of getting it warmed up. However, there's been a couple of times that I was driving it around fine. Then parked and ran into the store for 5-10 minutes. Then I come back out and it won't start up at all. It cranks good, but doesn't turnover. Usually it starts right up in that situation. I can smell fuel so I'm wondering if it's getting flooded somehow. Does anybody have any experience with this problem?

Any guidance will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

Does your truck have DuraSpark electronic ignition? Some 1975's have it, some do not.

 

Bill,
Thanks for the quick reply. No, I don't believe so. I looked under the hood and found a module labeled 'Motorcraft'.
On a positive note, I did some searching on which steps to follow for a flooded motor. I followed the steps and it started up. I'm new these older engines with carburetors. I'm looking forward to digging in and learning more. I believe my next step is to take it into a shop to have them take a look to see if the carburetor needs to be cleaned or adjusted.

Thanks again!
Matt

 

The DuraSpark ignition module is mounted on the left fender inner apron, just in front of the firewall. Genuine Ford module marked Motorcraft.

The 3 step scenario of a failing DuraSpark ignition module:

1) Module overheats, engine dies. Module cools down, engine restarts almost at once.

2) Module overheats, engine dies. Module cools down, engine restarts in an hour...or so.

3) Sooner or later, usually sooner, the module overheats...BURNS OUT! Now the engine will not restart.

Taking the module to an auto parts store to be tested. Will test OK unless it has burned out.

Engine heat is the mortal enemy of these modules. When replacing, use some washers to space it further away from the fender apron, the more airflow...the better.

The modules used in the 1970's were so unreliable, that Ford techs referred to DuraSpark as NeverSpark!