ford f150 won't start

[mrclean]

it has fuel but I don't think it's getting spark. cap, rotor, ignition module are new. just cranks and cranks. was running fine with no problems. help!!

[Lothos]

Have you pulled a plug to check for spark? Is it getting fuel? fire-air-fuel never fails to run :)

[mrclean]

yea, pulled the wire from the coil and checked there. pulled a wire from the plug checked there.
yes, it is getting fuel, tried starting fluid too.

[bigblue2230]

what year f-150 are we talking here? have you checked to see if there is power and pulsating ground at the coil? if there is, it might be a bad coil, if there isn't, then it might be a bad wire from the pickup coil or possibly a bad pickup coil all together.

[CHVYPWR]

Did you change the plugs too? Cold weather and old plugs are a bad combo.

[mrclean]

plugs are newer, change a few months ago. as far as the coil or pick-up coil, I'll have to check that out next. it is a 90 f150 with a 300 and an auto. mileage 120,000.

[Lothos]

You didn't screw up the firing order from the coil when changing the plugs did you? I've done that myself :)

[mrclean]

actually, i have too, but I already double checked that. :miff:

[clarkstoncracker]

You may want to spend 12 bucks and swap out the plugs... I had the same thing happen to a 2.5L YJ last winter... I looked way to deep, and the problem ended up being plugs, which didn't actually look that bad to me.. I swapped them out, and it ran like a champ..

This of course after I tested fuel filter, fuel pressure, cap/rotor, CPS, wires...

[Yetti]

I have owned lots of fords, they are famous for jumping timing chains at those kind of miles. check to see if number one on the cap lines up when the cranks says it should.

[ckupq]

I don't know how to tell you this but fords suck. I know I have the same type of truck(1990 f-150 4.9l).
That being said more than likely it is probably your plugs and wires. Did you try starting the truck on an abnormally moist day? The el-cheapo plugwires like to soak up moisture like a sponge and the next step up aren't much better. My advice is to start there and work to the cap and rotor.


As a 4.9 owner here are a couple of more tid bits specific to your truck

First and foremost there are two relays by the filter box. If these start going bad you'll find your truck will start having interesting problems. Mine didn't want to disengage the fuel pumps, and it kept draining the battery to boot. Also if one goes bad or corrodes at the wrong time it could leave you stranded (it's happened to me before).

Second, if you haven't replaced your alternator expect to in the next 10,000 to 20,000 miles. I have a friend that re-builds alternators and generators for a living says they don't live long past 130,000 miles. Also hate it because it is a cheap peice of garbage specific to the 4.9l. i don't think they make a replacement for it that makes better than 75 amps without some sort of special bracket, I may be wrong however.

Third, the roll pin that holds the spur gear to the bottom of the distributor has a tendancy to break. Now that I think of it you may want to check this when you check your plugs and wires to make sure it's not bad. If it is replace it and move on.

Finally, you own a truck with a 4.9l they are a torque monster. They are also the biggest abuse whores, almost as big as the 4.0l. Pat yourself on the back and be glad you own a six.