Problems with a 79' 250

[79.460]

I recently changed the water pump on my 79 f250 with the 460. The truck ran fine when I put it in the shop, did the water pump an wouldnt start when I was done, it turns over, but im not getting spark to my plugs, I have replaced the coil, cap/rotor, plugs and wires, trying to eliminate any problems, its a newer distributor so i really don't think it's that either, any ideas what else it could be? Im at a loss for ideas, and I really want to get it running again

 

[m78]

Did they mess with the timing chain ?

 

[79.460]

I don't think so

 

[DNFXDLI]

Have a look through this book, it gives you step by step troubleshooting.

http://www.fordtruckfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29167

 

[79.460]

Thanks! This will help alot, hopefully I can try to figure it out in the morning

 

[BuzzGun79]

Welcome to FTF 79....Give the harness plugs a good look over for connections and conductivity.sometimes as the harness ages the plugs dont connnect properly....Another item to look close at is the Duraspark Ignition box on the fender well, these can be prone to go out with out warning...and will give you a no spark condition if it has failed.....Are you getting Fuel to the carb?....

 

[fatherdoug]

Might also check the electrical plug for the distributor, since that would have been in the area of the water pump when replaced.

 

[Jolly Green]

Welcome to FTF 79....Give the harness plugs a good look over for connections and conductivity.sometimes as the harness ages the plugs dont connnect properly....Another item to look close at is the Duraspark Ignition box on the fender well, these can be prone to go out with out warning...and will give you a no spark condition if it has failed.....Are you getting Fuel to the carb?....

This could be or not be it. But it is one of the easiest things to check and one of the weakest links in the ignition system. I have a spare behind my seat - as do a lot of guys with these trucks. That's how many times the brain box has left people stranded.

 

[Workin' Rig]

This could be or not be it. But it is one of the easiest things to check and one of the weakest links in the ignition system. I have a spare behind my seat - as do a lot of guys with these trucks. That's how many times the brain box has left people stranded.

*knocks on wood* With the 5 or 6 vehicles ive owned with brain boxs....ive never had one go out....

 

[SuperCab]

I never had one go out on me... Always kept a spare though.

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

 

[79.460]

I'm getting fuel to the carb, is there a way to check the ignition box? The plug for the distributer was pretty nasty looking so i replaced it last night, still nothing

 

[Jolly Green]

I don't know of any other test besides plugging a new one in and see if it takes off. Anyones else?

Did it give you any trouble when warmed up before this? A sign the brain box is going to fail is that if will start when cold but die when warmed up and not start again until cooled back down. That's the first stage. Eventually, it will not start at all.

 

[79.460]

It started and ran fine when I pulled it in the shop, I replaced all the plugs going to the ign. Box today still nothing, im kind of wondering now if its the distributor because everything is brand new except for that and the brain box. I haw spark to the dist. Cap, but not to the plugs

 

[dustybumpers]

*knocks on wood* With the 5 or 6 vehicles ive owned with brain boxs....ive never had one go out....

Shoulda never said that. They heard you.


Next week you will be replacing every box, one at a time.

 

[BuzzGun79]

This could be or not be it. But it is one of the easiest things to check and one of the weakest links in the ignition system. I have a spare behind my seat - as do a lot of guys with these trucks. That's how many times the brain box has left people stranded.

True Steve a possibility...thought ide throw it in since he did say he replaced,the dizzy along with cap,and related items..not much left.Over the yrs ive probably replaced thousands of these units on the Duraspark system....It is the one reason why i went to the HEI Ignition on my 79....I also carry a spare module but now it fits in the glove compartment..

 

[BuzzGun79]

well since you have spark to the dizzy..none to the plugs....I suspect a bad magnetic pickup which is located in the base of the distributor...

 

[Jolly Green]

well since you have spark to the dizzy..none to the plugs....I suspect a bad magnetic pickup which is located in the base of the distributor...

x2 on that.

 

[79.460]

So I should try getting a new distributor?

 

[Mil1ion]

They aren't brain boxes..they are merely Ignition modules

 

[BuzzGun79]

Thats up to you 79..it may be the easy way out if youve never tore into a distributor...it will have to be removed from the engine & disassembled totally to replace the pickup...before you pull it out..Mark a spot on the engine to where the rotor is pointing...use this mark for reference when reinstalling....