Stock '77 won't start

Blue71 · Jan 19, 2014

I have a stock '77 Ranger w/original 302, 73k miles that was running great, and now won't start. I put a new rebuilt Motorcraft 2150 carb on it from National Carburetors a few months ago, and been doing great until yesterday morning when I tried to cold start it. It's been a little hard to start on 20 degree mornings, but always starts and dies a couple of times before actually idling on its own and then runs perfect. Did the usual pedal pumps yesterday, turned the key and it just kept cranking and cranking. It seemed a little bit like it wanted to fire, but then just kept cranking. Carb is squirting plenty of fuel ( two good solid streams) I used another good coil and good Duraspark module from a running Bronco to test to see if either were bad, so that I can seem to rule out. Connections seem to be in good shape. Any ideas? Rotor cap and button seem in good shape too. What would cause it to run one day and then only crank the next?

Thanks,

Blue71

bknbronco · Jan 19, 2014

Choke it????

When its 20 outside I do this......turn it over for a few seconds to make sure fuel is primed, then pump twice and turn over again. At that point it almost starts and if it does I shut it down. Next thing is most important, I push to the floor and hold it there for a few seconds....do that twice. That sets the choke. Turn it over again and it starts.

Blue71 · Jan 19, 2014

Thanks, Yep tried choking it as well. I've tried even holding the butterfly at all ranges including all the way closed to 1/8" gap, to all the way open. Held pedal to the floor, etc. A few weeks ago when it was -1 degrees...it even started, but today and yesterday at 25-30 degrees she won't do anything but crank and crank.

Blue71

blubuckaroo · Jan 19, 2014

Well, you've got fuel. You'll need to check for spark. I just wonder though if it may just be flooded.

Blue71 · Jan 19, 2014

Blubuckaroo,

It never has flooded since new carb install. I let it set for about 20 hrs after first trying to start it yesterday. Think it could still be flooded? Thanks,

Andy
Blue71

lonesouth · Jan 19, 2014

Check to be sure the dizzy hasn't moved. Mine managed to get loose and it took a while to figure it out.

Viperwolf1 · Jan 19, 2014

blubuckaroo said:
Well, you've got fuel. You'll need to check for spark. I just wonder though if it may just be flooded.

X2, Check for spark. Module and coil aren't the only things that can go bad.

Blue71 · Jan 19, 2014

Pulled the #6 plug and put the wire cap back on it. Held it up to the block and exhaust manifold and I have spark to the plug while cranking.

Blue71

half cab · Jan 19, 2014

pull the top off the carb and make sure the float is not stuck.

Blue71 · Jan 19, 2014

Squirters are working strong and even put a little fuel from a can into top of carb and still nothing. Might pull top off like you said too check it out anyway.

Thanks,

Blue71

blubuckaroo · Jan 19, 2014

Pull a spark plug to see if it is wet with fuel.

WheelHorse · Jan 20, 2014

Does your engine oil smell like it has some gasoline dilution?

When was the last time you installed arc plugs?

Could you pull a plug or two and post what the insulator and such looks like on here?

Blue71 · Jan 20, 2014

Pics of plugs

WheelHorse said:
Does your engine oil smell like it has some gasoline dilution?

When was the last time you installed arc plugs?

Could you pull a plug or two and post what the insulator and such looks like on here?

Oil smells normal with no real fuel smell

I installed new plugs today to replace the 5 yr old ones, no change in starting

Here are some pics of the old plugs....

Blue71 · Jan 20, 2014

Here are the other 4

Blue71 · Jan 20, 2014

blubuckaroo said:
Pull a spark plug to see if it is wet with fuel.

Pass side plugs were a little damp with fuel.

Blue71

half cab · Jan 20, 2014

Overall they look pretty good.

TwoDalesDad · Jan 20, 2014

I know you may not like to here it....But!!..Anyone who hordes early broncos...may have to drive a second, third, fourth,fifth, or sixth bronco..when one will not start...
,

Blue71 · Jan 20, 2014

half cab said:
Overall they look pretty good.

I thought they looked ok too.

blue71

Blue71 · Jan 20, 2014

TwoDalesDad said:
I know you may not like to here it....But!!..Anyone who hordes early broncos...may have to drive a second, third, fourth,fifth, or sixth bronco..when one will not start...
,

Yeah I know...Lol...but this one has a full tank o' gas

lol

Viperwolf1 · Jan 20, 2014

I'm thinking that maybe the spark is too weak. Might try a shot of starting fluid. If it doesn't do something with that (sputter, cough, catch fire, etc) it doesn't have good spark or it has no compression.

Stock '77 won't start

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