1985 F-150 tech question

[slam1]

I have a tech question that I hope someone can help me with. My son was given my old 85 it has the 5.0 two brl. It sat for a few years with periodic fuel cycling and routine starting (every two months). My problem is the truck died while in motion and wont restart. I have the three essentials, spark fuel and air. I have fuel to the carb ( sprayers) but the plugs are dry. I poured fuel down the carb and it didnt even try to fire so i,m thinking timing chain? Before I go and tear into this thing I would love to hear some input pehaps saving me from that task. Thanks, Jon

 

[sle2115]

Timing chain is possible, and I'm assuming you got "good" fuel...especially since your giving it a shot. If you have the three essientials, it doesn't leave much else, barring the three essentials are quality enough to make it run (good not weak spark, good fuel, etc)

 

[slam1]

Now all of a sudden it runs. I keep getting these mystery trucks! It must have something to do with something getting hot. Any ideas?

 

[sle2115]

Ignition Control Module? Does it have a crank angle/position sensor?

 

[slam1]

I dont know if it has a crank angle position sensor because I dont know what one is. I can give an educated guess as to what it is, but dont know where to look for it. ICM will be checked. Thanks for the help.

 

[sle2115]

Does it have a distributor? If so, the ICM is often bolted to the side of the distributor and Ford's have a tendancy to have heat soak issues. Chevies on the other hand, just completely die! If it is a coil pack style of ignition (I'm a Chevy guy so I'm not sure what year Ford made the change...I'm thinking later than 85) it will have a crank position sensor that tells the coil packs when to fire. It's located where it can sense the crank, i.e. on the block. Some engines used a Cam sensor though as well. Like I said, I'm not sure on a Ford.

 

[tractorman86]

IIRC it should just have an ignition box on the drivers fender and it will have a regular distributer, make sure all the wires to the dist. are not grounding or making contact elsewhere. then change the ign. box it should be cheap and i dont think there is any way to test it.
Sle ford didn't go to the coil pack ign on trucks till 97

 

[Double-S-Diesel]

check the relays on the driver side fender, common for the plug to corrode and the wires to fall out

 

[sle2115]

Sle ford didn't go to the coil pack ign on trucks till 97

Had no idea, not a ford man!

 

[slam1]

Thanks for all the help. It was bare wires grounding out.
Jon