My 1982 -F150-5LV8 was running perfectly until one day when for no apparent reason it stopped running at a stop light and since then I have not been able to find and fix the problem. Compression is good and no overheating issues.
So far Ive tried the following without success:
1. Re-built the carburator
2. Changed the front fuel tank & quit using the rear
3. Re-built the distributor
4. Changed spark plugs & wires
5. Installed a second fuel filter
6. Hired a witch doctor to perform an exorcism
During the process of fixing it a friend that was helping me pulled the distributor out in the process of setting the timing. It was hell putting back in and I learned that we should have never done that at all. Anyway regardless of that error no matter what we do the timing cannot be set correctly. Right now the truck starts for a second and then dies out. The only thing I can come up with that might fix the problem is to replace the timing chain. The truck has never had the timing chain replaced so it makes sense.
Does my conclusion make sense?
Is replacing a timing chain a very difficult job?
Are there any other items (aside from tensor) that should be replaced along with the timing chain?
If I decide to take it to a mechanic how much is a fair price for this job?

 

This doesn't sound like the timing chain or gears. Its been my experience that they either break or are fine. It does sound like the fuel pump is not meeting demand. I would replace it. Two bolts and 2 fuel lines on the side of the block.
Atlanta pull a valve cover off and and crank the engine and see if all the valves move. That will tell you if the timing chain is broke

 

Thank you, I'll give it shot.
However I was told not that the timing chain broke but that it was loose and skipping a cog. Does that make sense?

 

I've never seen just one tooth break. I guess it could be possible. Usually the chain breaks or the cam gear completely strip off. I would at least take a valve cover off and watch while you crank with the coil unplugged, before you to make sure that is the problem before pay a mechanic to replace.

 

What do you mean about not being able to set the timing correctly.

 

We rebuilt the distributor & reset the timing turning it clockwise, counterclockwise and every which way but never got the engine to run smoothly. We know the engine is capable of running well because prior to the moment it stalled at the stop light it was running great..

 

The sudden stall is the only thing that makes me think it might be the timing chain or gear. But the fact that your cranking and its starting says no.
Some of the timing is in twisting the shaft. Some of it is just twisting the the cap. I hate to ask but are you sure your not 180° out?

 

Hello Johnboy429bbf:
I hate to tell you even more because the answer is that I don't know. The distributor was pulled out by someone else and I neither he nor I have ever re-installed a distributor before.
Will the car run at all if the distributor is incorrectly rotated 180?
I just came back from the auto parts store with a new fuel pump and starter solenoid. The starter solenoid was smoking so it needs to be replaced but I'm pretty sure it has nothing to do with the major problem. However a new fuel pump might make a difference.
I was told at the auto parts place that the timing chain may be skipping a tooth now and then because it's stretched and loose and that it doesn't necessarily need to break completely to create issues. If checking for correct rotation of the distributor and the new fuel pump don't do the trick the only other item I can think of is the chain.

 

180 out would allow the truck to run poorly/ short moments. 180 out just means your firing in reverse order. The distributor can only rotate one direction. It spins off the cam.
I'm gonna take it to mean since your asking about a mechanic bill you don't feel like you can take on a timing chain and gear your self? I'm not sure where you're at but around here it'd be 350 to 500.
Its not that hard of a job. But it can be a pain with out a puller to take the crank pulley and damper off

 

I don't think it's out 180 out but like I said earlier I am not sure of anything at this point.
I'm getting up in years and my knees are bad so I'm not doing major work on cars anymore. If I can get it running well again for $500 it's a good deal for me. At this stage of the game I'm getting really frustrated and although I know the fix isn't difficult for someone that knows what to do and I've had it since it was new in 1982 if I can't get it back on the road I'm ready to sell it for whatever I can get rather than have it sit in my driveway doing nothing.