My 1989 Ford F-150 has been sitting in the driveway now for about 3 months. It has well over 400,000 miles on it now and I am afraid it has finally given up the ghost or that it just might be too expensive to fix. This truck and I have a very long history ( it is known all over town as the "Grey Goose") so if you think I need to finally bury it please put it kindly. I love my truck, rust spots and all.

It was driving and starting just fine and then one morning I went to start it up and although it still starts up fine it just won't catch. I just don't get it---as it was doing just fine and then won't turn over. It sounds like it wants to turn over but doesn't. The guy that keeps it running for me seems to think it has jumped time but has not had the time to fix it. Is this a death sentence? What does it generally cost to fix this?

Remember I love this truck. Thanks for any guidance.

 

Sounds like its earned the respect of you at least seeing whats wrong with it. haha

 

If it jumped time, and no other damage, then spend the $70 bucks or so (that'll buy a new timing set, and all the gaskets, and them some) and get er' back on the road!

 

so its turning over but not actually starting? or not turning over at all? mine wouldn't turn over at all and it was a bad ground from the battery to the starter. replaced the $15 cables and all is well now.

 

When I turn the key it sounds like it wants to start but does not actually start. I don't think it's a battery cable because I am very particular about this truck and keep it up on maintenance. The cables were changed out not too long ago.

So, if it jumped time, that is fixable, correct? I thought I read that if a truck/car jumps time that valves and other engine work would need to be done. So this is not always the case.

So, yes it has certainly been a wonderful truck and in all the years I have owned it it has never left me stranded. It has always waited until I had it in the driveway when it gave out.

Thanks so much---it is very good to know that I can have this fixed and get it back on the road. I really miss driving it.

 

I just wanted to say congrats on the "over 400,000 miles". Mine's a '94 and just turned 285,000. It's been just as reliable. Does use oil, but have never had the engine worked on. Did have to do tune ups at 134,000 and 240,000. I remember when vehicles had to have the plugs done every 10,000 miles.

One question. If you're married, what does the wife have to say about your truck?

 

When timing chains go on motors, usually the motor quits, not running no damage. If the valves do hit the pistons the lifters will take a little slack, biggest thing about fixing motor is compression and oil pressure, if they are reasonable, fix motor. And if the wife says anything tell her you are going to try to break Al Bundy's record. Think of it this way. If the truck breaks, put a couple of hundred into it, and it runs for another 100,000 mi, you just saved yourself thousands for another used vehicle, plus if that one breaks more money for that one. I will never give up my Fords unless they are totaled or burnt to the ground.

 

same here dude

 

Hahaha, NO I am not married. Been there done that wore the T Shirt for 15 yrs and ain't never, ever doing that again. LOL! So, I can have my truck repaired without having to clear it with God. Hahaha.

Here's the thing: The truck ran it's usual great way the day before, drove in the driveway, cut it off, and the next morning turned the key and it sounded like it wanted to start but wouldn't catch. Ya know? So, I'm thinking that there is not any engine damage especially since my mechanic checked the compression and fuel pressure and said that was ok.

Thanks so much for the moral support and well wishes for the "Grey Goose". I'll probably be buried with this truck.

I have no idea who Al Bundy is and what record he has.

 

Also meant to say that I haven't had a tune up on this truck in a very long time and it doesn't seem to need one. Could that be possible? Honestly, it runs beautifully, well it did before this problem.