I have a 89 ford f150 4x4 lariat that rotates but wont start. I have changed the ignition coil, spark plugs/wires, alternator,fuel filter, distibuter cap. I can hear the fuel pump engage when I turn it to the run position and it does rotate. I'm new to working on the truck and need all the help I can get. I dont wanna take it to a mechanic, I believe I can fix it myself. It was running in the parking lot then it just shut off and would not start again before I changed all those parts previously noted. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Any one in the Savannah georgia area?

 

OK, did you turn the big crank on the front of the truck...No, no, I'm kidding. So it was running and then just died and you put all those new parts on afterwards, right?

note: 2 things must be present for an engine to run. Fire (spark) and fuel (gas). So that being said, I'd do this first. Check for spark. No spark, ignition problem. You can easily check for spark by purchasing a spark tester (at Harbor Freight maybe. Just a few bucks) or pull a plug wire off and put a spark plug in it, turn the key on and turn the engine over. Then watch the plug to see if there's a spark. (don't forget to ground the spark plug or it won't spark) Second, how about fuel? You're sure you've got gas in it, right!?! Just asking. another note: just because you can hear the fuel pump running doesn't mean it's getting fuel. You've got an '89 and it has 2 fuel pumps. 3 if it's got dual tanks. One low pressure pump is in the tank and it feeds the high pressure pump on the frame by the fuel filter. You can easily check for a no fuel problem by dribbling a little gas or spraying some either or carb. cleaner maybe down the intake/throttle body. Then try to start it. If it's not getting any fuel it will start for a second and then die. Then you just gotta find out what's wrong. Probably a fuel pump but you never know. Well anyway, start there and let us know what you find. And remember, this is fun!

 

Im with him on that but I had the same issue on my 87 and there should be 2 smaller ground wires comin from your battery with connection points about 2inches from the post make sure they are connected I didnt and spent money that wasnt needed

 

Time to buy an '11!

 

fuel is getting where it needs to and the spark plug wires are good the fuel pump on the rail is good the rotor is turning. the fuel is not the problem. the spark plugs arent getting any spark. changed the ignition coil its not getting anything.

 

Do you think its turning fast enough?

 

The TFI module on the side of the distributor and the pick-up coil inside the distributor are two of the many suspects that could cause your symptoms.

There are tests for these parts listed in most shop manuals.

Suggest if the pick-up coil is deemed bad, just buy a replacement distributor. Getting the distributor drive gear off the shaft without destroying something takes a level of talent I found I didn't have. :-)

Good luck, and keep us posted.

 

Most likely, mechanic error, or replacement component problem. Check for spark directly off coil wire. Compare your new rotor to your old one. Start replacing your new parts w/ your old parts, cause there's something about one of the new ones it doesn't like.

 

Replace the TFI. They die on these trucks all the time and cause your symptoms -- more commonly than any other ignition components in my experiences... Could be pickup but that's kinda rare and changing a dist is more involved. If it's not the TFI you can always just take the new one off and return it.

 

combustion requires air, check your air flow both in and out.