You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!
Just found this forum the last couple of days ago and signed up! I have an electrical problem with my 78 F150 (bought new 1978, $6900). The truck has 4WD, 351M (340K miles, still runs great) 4 speed manual, lots of rust but overall is still a good looking farm truck.
History of problem:
Truck caught fire in Aug. 2011 from gas line leak at carb. Minor damage, mostly heater hoses and electrical. Truck was repaired at local garage that has been doing maintenance on it for most of it's life span. Insurance paid for all repairs (approx. $1400). Truck has been running like new till 1 month ago. Drove it one day to town, came home-next day, no electrics, no lights, no nothing!! I've checked all ground (battery cables), changed the voltage regulator, starter solenoid, changed a portion of the wire with the fuse link to the starter solenoid from the wire harness-NOTHING!! The battery is good, by the way. I've even used a battery cable placed on the block to the frame and body to check for a bad gound; neg battery cable to block/frame... nothing!
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I really miss driving my old truck!
Nope. No smell of electrical problems the day it last run. It's really strange. I'm not an electrician and I don't really know a lot about electrical systems. I'm going to try to install a new ignition switch today. If that does'nt work, I guess I'll take it back to the shop. Money is tight and I'm trying to save $$.
Voltage of battery is good at 12.8V (1 year old "optima" battery-910CA, 720CCA). Got the new ignition switch yesterday and it was a pain to remove from behind the dash. Tried to install new key lock barrel and apparently it does not fit. Will have Advance Auto people put new key
barrell in switch. Will try and install switch today if I can leave work early.