problems starting my 1974 ford f100
Asked by shanenutter1 May 31, 2015 at 01:43 PM about the Ford F-100
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
my starter went out I put a new starter in it and the cables got hot so I put a new cylinode in it it started and wouldn't cut off so i unhocked the battery now it wont start it seems like the engine isn't getting a spark what could it be
5 Answers
Distributor cap, rotor, (I don't know if the '74 with 360 or 390 or straight-6 has mechanical breaker points or not. My '76 390 does not) The list is long...... Has it overheated recently? Which engine?
shanenutter1 answered 9 years ago
its a 302 and and the engine has never overheated
But from your description of it wouldn't shut off leads to ignition switch. A very easy fix, the wire connection simply unplugs from switch and there is a lock-nut threaded on and behind switch, a small round nut (not a hex) that holds switch in place
Ok... still thinking ignition switch. The cables may have gotten hot from extended cranking time...IF you did that
Old fashion way. Get a helper and you put a #2 phillips screwdriver in a spark plug wire, remove wire from plug and stick screwdriver in wire. Hols stem of screwdriver about ΒΌ inch or less, just not touching, from a ground, even the top of plug, or any ground. Have helper try to start You should have a blue spark. If no spark or a weak yellow spark, it an ignition problem as you suspect not fuel starvation .....Does it have points?