Need some help

[crimsontide1831]

I have a 1981 Ford F100, 6 cylinder. My problem is that I am not able to start the engine. I replaced the plugs, wires, distributor, and recently put in a new ingition control module. But nothing has changed. Can anyone tell me what else to try? I am thinking about the solenoid switch, but don't want to keep spending money on the wrong things. Thanks in advance.

 

[Stepside]

Do you have spark?
assuming the motor is turning over going GrrGrrGrr (trying to start)
you can take a long screwdriver remove one of the spark plug wires
and insert the end of the wire into the tip of the screwdriver and hover the
shaft of the screwdriver near a grounded part of the chassis or motor
you should see an arc make sure you are holding the handle of the screwdriver
and are clear of the fan and belts
((You will need someone to crank the motor as you look for a spark Arc!))
let's start with that

 

[F150]

If you find spark, then check for fuel.

 

[crimsontide1831]

Got spark and fuel, just got finished tinkering with it again and replaced the ingnition coil.....still nothing but a turning engine. It is just not firing up for me. Any help will be one more thing I can try.

 

[1985 Ford F-150]

So your gettin spark and fuel? Did you test the coil like I suggested in the other thread?

 

[crimsontide1831]

Yeah, it had a really dim light so I figured there wasn't much coming out of it, so I just replaced it, but it wasn't the problem.

 

[wizzard351]

simple rule of thumb and engine needs 3 things to run fuel,spark and compretion. then they need everything to happen in time. i would 1st go threw and tripple check the firing order for you plug wires. then if thats ok check the plug gap. did anyone turn the distibiter at all?

 

[1985 Ford F-150]

Then its probly the timing if ya pulled the distributor and replaced it.

 

[crimsontide1831]

We have tried turning the distributor, I have a timing light that I will have access to tomorrow. I have not replaced the enitre distributor, just the cap and pin.

 

[dustybumpers]

first, find top dead center. pull out #1 plug, and put your thumb over the spark plug hole. have someone bump the key until the air hisses out by your thumb. then take a drinking straw, and put it in the plug hole. now turn the bolt in the damper, back and forth until the piston is at the top, watching the straw raise, and lower. open the dist cap, and see where the rotor is pointing. it needs to point to the tower that has #1 plug wire on it. if not there, turn the dis until it is. put the plug back in, and fire it up.