Hello all, new here. I bought a 1994 f-150 reg cab, 302 auto., short box, 4x4, single tank. The issue is the previous owner installed a 351/ auto from a 1996 f-150. I’ve changed the computer, instrument cluster, icm(black from grey) all for a 96 & a new battery. Fuel pump cycles properly, has good spark & plugs look fine. It turns over, but will not fire off. I have a brand new distributor not yet installed. I read several different places that said the pickup on the distributor fails causing a no start. Anything I’m missing?... I’m all ears.


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Just because you can hear the fuel pump priming, doesn't mean the fuel system is working properly. You should check for fuel pressure.
And if the plugs are getting good spark, then the distributor pickup is working. Although it cant hurt to check your timing.

 

Exactly how much of the '96 engine is in the '94 truck? "Auto" is vague - exactly which model of transmission was originally in the '94, and which is in it now? Exactly what did you change each of those parts to? And why, for each one? The more specific details you post (preferably WITH pics), the more likely we can offer useful suggestions.

But the easy solution is the obvious one: put the right parts back in the truck. You know it'll run that way.

 

Mixing a 96 computer with a 94 model isn’t inspiring confidence here. That wouldn’t even plug into the 94 harness without lots of splicing. They might not even be the same fuel injection type (batch fire vs port) and that’s got you stuck.

Take the 96 stuff out and start over.

 

Well, the comments have me thinking I might ditch the factory stuff all together in favor of a traditional intake & aftermarket EFI, like the Holley Sniper setup. This truck is basically a toy & I’d rather spend my time & money on proven components vrs tracking down numerous factory pieces. I don’t care how I get it to run, as long as it runs.

 

Put the '94 ECU back in the truck.
Check all the sensors and wiring harness to make sure that they are for the model year of your truck.
Check the basis - fuel, fire, compression, timing, fuel pressure, firing order.
Check for major vacuum leaks.
Get a wiring schematic for your year truck. Follow each to ensure all is correct. No telling what a previous owner or mechanic has done.

Don't guess and just start changing parts. Daily driver or not.

If you decide to go aftermarket ECU or FI system you are still going to have to follow the same troubleshooting methodology in order to get it running with whatever system that ends up to be. Get it running now and then you can change if you want to. It's much easier to troubleshoot the OEM parts.

There is a lot of troubleshooting for no start situation on the net.

Here is an excellent no-start checklist for Ford Fuel Injection of the era. While specific to Mustangs the systems are so similar that the troubleshooting steps will work for either. https://www.stangnet.com/mustang-for...stangs.787471/

Good luck!

Jonathan

 

There is no tradition of aftermarket EFI. The tradition is maintaining a vehicle the way it was built, according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The proven components are those made by Ford - the world leader in dependable vehicles for over a century. Factory parts are easier to track down than aftermarket ones; new, used, remanufactured, or direct-replacement. The easiest way to get it to run is the way it was designed & engineered to run.

You asked for advice here, and you've consistently gotten the same advice, which you seem to be ignoring. But it's your time, money, & truck. Good luck with it.