Changed almost everything and still won't start. I'm stumped..

40

Asked by Alex Dec 29, 2019 at 02:22 PM about the 1987 Ford F-150 STD Standard Cab 4WD LB

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

So I have a 87 Ford f150 302 v8. Anyways I came home and it was running
then the next day it wouldn't start, I changed the module on the distributor,
changed the rotor button, all the spark plugs wires, all the plugs itself, and the
ignition coil. I'm officially stumped, it's getting gas and I used starting fluid to
spray but it still won't start up

10 Answers

40

And I also changed the distributor cap and it still did nothing

1 people found this helpful.

Are you getting spark at the spark plugs? Checked the timing? Fuel to the engine?

1 people found this helpful.
26,810

If it cranks good but won't start, have a helper crank it while you visually check for spark at the plugs. If no spark, check for primary voltage to ignition coil, positive side, should go hot with key on. Make sure battery has a full charge and connections all good. As far as primary voltage to coil, the ignition switch is involved and there is also a fusible link. Is the coil wire good? Does the dist rotor turn when you crank it? So far we just talked about spark, there could be other issues?

1 people found this helpful.
40

The rotor does turn while cranking, all the plugs Sparks and the wires to the plugs are brand new, all the fuses are good, battery is charged, I bought the coil yesterday at AutoZone, it's acting like it wants to start but there is something just not making it run. Like it will crank and gets close then it just bogs back to normal crank speed

1 people found this helpful.
40

Brand new starter kit with the solenoid all the way to the starter itself is new, like I'm officially out of parts to put into it except for doing a whole engine swap which I'm really trying to avoid

1 people found this helpful.

Random parts replacement is an expensive way NOT to fix your truck. You need an actual diagnosis. Read my first post for the basics you check FIRST.

2 people found this helpful.
155,255

Ok so you have spark and fuel (starting fluid) but it won't run. Time for a compression test. If all cylinders test very low or zero it's jumped timing. Hope that helps! Jim

1 people found this helpful.
40

Turns out it was out of time, I really appreciate all of yall taking the time to help me with my problem, F_O_R got the closest to my problem so thanks again

1 people found this helpful.
155,255

You're welcome. Glad to help! Happy to hear you're back on the road! Thanks for letting us know! Jim

Your Answer:

F-150

Looking for a Used F-150 in your area?

CarGurus has 13,403 nationwide F-150 listings starting at $3,888.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    OJ
    Reputation
    41,850
  • #2
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    15,990
  • #3
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    15,480
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used GMC Sierra 1500
124 Great Deals out of 7,710 listings starting at $5,500
Used Ford F-250
6 listings
Used Ford Ranger
22 Great Deals out of 695 listings starting at $6,445
Used Ford Mustang
42 Great Deals out of 1,602 listings starting at $8,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.