turn key to start and crank engine--turn key back to on position and sometimes starts--today it finally started after 20 tries--been doing this a cpl yrs and i've been putting up with it--thinking some kind o relay--any thoughts?

 

Kinda sounds like it wants to start for you if it eventually will... have you tried testing the coil for spark?
reading through the coil test in troubleshootmyvehicle.com may help to rule that out or give a better clue as to where to look next, ASD/cranksensor (if applicable) IDK the 89
...

 

thanks JFloors---coil checks out fine---will replace the wires

 

nibroc

We all know the engine needs fuel and spark to start, if possible after one of those times it does to start
check the fuel pressure and that your getting spark.

should you have one or the other or both and a no start condition you have a idea of the direction to focus.

 

Bad ignition switch.

 

Any more details for what it's doing on this or observations on your end?
just curious but wishing well is all

 

I think alloro is right your ignition switch may be bad, because you do say it does start after x amount tries.

 

thanks alloro--cpl yrs ago it started this--not starting when key was in start position-just cranking and cranking--then when key was turned to on position it would start--now it wont exc after 20 tries--will be replacing that ign switch

 

Both the Run and Start position have a contact for the ignition circuit. If the ignition contact in the Start position fails there is no power to the ignition. Releasing the key back to Run while the engine is still turning gives power to the ignition circuit and allows the engine to start as long as it is still turning fast enough.

 

CORRECT----below freezing temps and diesel oil did not let it turn over enough as in summer time use--thanks again