This isn't actually a problem with a Dodge. It's just that folks here are generally more level headed. I've got a Furd giving me trouble. I can NOT get that thing to fire.Timing i right, two different distributors. It's getting a pulse to trip a timing light. The injectors are getting pulses. The plug firing order is right.

It's on a 1990 Ford F150 with a later 302 engine. I've bench tested the coil a couple of times. When I pulled a plug, it was sooty. I can get a pop with starting fluid but the engine won't start. Has anybody here ever had a coil test good but still be bad. I plan to hit a bone yard and get a used coil and swap them out.

If anybody has any ideas as to why it won't start, throw them out. Injector pulses, good fuel pressure, new timing chain and it was running after that was put in, good tune up, new injectors, ignition timing is right, plenty of charge. It should start, but won't.

Yes, there is a Ford Forum. Yes, I am a member there. No, I won't talk to them as they are not very helpful. Too many trolls there.

 

Is the distributor in the correct way? Did you use the timing light to see where it's firing?

 

How is your fuel pressure? Were the plugs wet? What brand/type of plugs?

 

The distributor is in correctly. I can get a pop, but nothing else. Rotating 180 degrees and nothing at all happens. Fuel pressure is spot on. Timing was set by hand. Final timing will need to be done when it's running, but it's where it should be. New timing chain and I put a white paint mark on the balancer. I have swapped ignition modules and distributors. I've heard a failed MAP sensor will keep it from starting but unplugging it made no difference.

This truck is one of many reasons I prefer the older, pre-Daimler Mopars.

 

Have a scanner that can read live data? Have a look and see what the PCM thinks engine temp is.

 

What passed for OBD I on the Fords is problematic to deal with at best. Another reason I like older Mopars. You have to use an ANALOG volt meter and watch the needle sweeps. I use a test light and watch the flashes. There is a Ford reader that you count the light flashes, but I can't find it and I'm not buying an obsolete tool. I'm beginning to suspect the computer has fried itself in the truck. I wasn't aware it had one. It is buried and not going to be fun getting it out.

 

Is it efi, or carb? If it's carb, can you just dump the computer controls, but a regular carb on it, and electronic distributor, and call it a day?

 

The only thing I haven't tested, rebuilt or replaced is the computer. None of the parts stores will test these anymore. I checked into the U of Y and looked to see how it comes out. Good thing I did. It would have taken an hour or two in extreme heat and humidity. Now, 20 minutes and it's out. I'm not a fan of replacing parts that I don't know are bad, but I don't have a choice. These are prone to failure and it's the factory original unit. 32 years old. If this doesn't do it, I may part the silly thing out.

Going to hit the road for a few days so I may or may not be back for a bit. It depends on what Momma has planned.