My '87 Mustang one time would turn over just fine but wouldn't fire up. It turned out to be an ignition module, called a TFI (Thick Film Ignition) module to be exact. I'd have to get my Haynes manual out to know if these trucks have something similar.

 

Nope, coil controlled by PCM.

Sounds like no fire though.... verify if you are getting spark at the coil, if ya got it there, make sure you have it at the plug.

 

I also noticed that while turning the key the gen light came on is that pulse generator, and if so is that sensor or is that something located within the dis. cap?

 

Sorry if I don't sound like I know much about cars/trucks and I don't, but thanks for helping me troubleshoot this problem.

Okay So I took off the rubber boot off one of the spark plugs touched it with screwdrive and had my buddy crank the engine and determined there was spark. So I proceded to change all the spark plugs cheapest fix first lol. I gapped the plugs at .040 each plug one at a time. At first it sounded like it was about to start but didn't, so I sprayed some starting fluid into the intake and it started I put some water remover into the gas tank and let the truck run for about 30 minutes no problems. I used the electric start and it started again 5 minutes ago which was 2 hours of sitting after running initially. First time changing plugs, it was a 20 dollar fix crazy!!!

Has anyone ever hear of water getting into the fuel lines causing the engine to not turn over and if so could condensation cause the problems I just went through?


Thanks again for all your help!!!

 

A lot of folks come here to learn about their trucks. You evidently fall into that category. You have already learned something, which is NEVER a bad thing.

Gen light coming on when you first turn the key is normal. It is referring to the alternator though. (they used to be generators... then technology advanced... but, "GEN" lites are still really common.)

Water in the gas WILL keep the engine from firing. (turning over is defined as the crank actually turning. so, while it may turn over, it just won't fire) If it's really cold out.... it can be a real pain, especially on the non-return style fuel system we have on these trucks.

But, IT RUNS!!! YEAH!!

Side note: It warmed up today, and is really humid.... so of course the wifes van flooded out....

 

okay you have three things to check

1. spark " digital coil " 50$
2. fuel pump 189-450$
3. idol air control valve, backside of TB 2 hex screws. 46-100$ part< this will eventually make your truck not even start!


I thought I had the same problem as you, it was my Idol air control I thought it was water in my gas LOL

might i add that sometimes when you actually think you have water in the tank you actually dont its the fuel pump starting to go...