1bad77

Ok,

I recently bought 1977 F-150. It has a 351M in it with 56K original miles. I've driven it for about 2 weeks, and haven't any real serious problems. It did have a small timing issue and a vaccuum leak, but that was all. After adjusting the timing, (I still haven't found the leak) it really smoothed out and picked up so HP. Now comes my problem. I was going to work one night, and stopped to get gas, and it wouldn't start. I was able to get it started the next morning to drive it home, but it hasn't started since. I've replaced the starter, and the solenoide, and still no luck. When you turn the ignition, the solenoide chatters really loud. I was wondering if maybe the timing slipped enough that it won't crank, and if that is the case, how do I know how to get it back in time. If it isn't the timing, what would be next on my parts list? Should I check the coil, or the ignition module? I've read and re-read my Chiltons, but it doesn't referance these parts as part of the problem.

I sure hope that someone out there could give me a little insight to what's going on. Any help is really appreciated.


AN

'92BigBronco

If the soleniod is only clicking and you've recently replaced it, check your battery first. Your alternator may have taken a dump and killed your battery.

If your timing was off, the engine would still turn over. If the timing is way off, it will normally buck and kick and backfire out the carb. Since you had it running after you made the timing adjustment, you should be fine there.

If the battery is fine, check your negative battery cable. It should run down from the battery to somewhere close to the starter. It's probably corroded enough to keep enough current from getting to your starter. Cut the insulation back a little on both ends of the negative cable. If it's corroded, go ahead and replace the cable.

__________________
1992 Ford Bronco
351W
E4OD- B&M Stage 2 shift kit
Full 3" stainless Bassani Exhaust
32" BFG's/stock suspension

"No replacement for displacement."

"Our lugnuts require more torque than most Honda's produce!"

89F150

Yeah i agree with BigBronco, it aint the timing becuase it would try to start. Check your battery and the cables.

big1

The vacuum leak is probably an internal carb leak. This is common on older Ford's. The power valve is probably the culprit. Either you or a mechanic should rebuild the carb.
Here's the one I'm attempting to restore:

__________________
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1bad77

Thanks for the tips. Turns out it was the battery, and a bad ground. After fixing these problems it cranked right up. Thanks again for all the tips.

I plan on attacking the carb soon. I've allready bought a rebuild kit, but I haven't had the time to put it in lately, so that'll be my next big project.

Keep Truckin'

A.

89F150

Glad you worked it out, Let us know how it all turns out.