1988 F-150 No Start With Strange Electrical Issue

Hey Fellas, I just bought a 1988 Ford F-150 with a 4.9L 5 speed, and It has this crazy electrical problem. I knew that the truck wouldn`t run before I bought it, but the price was right ($500.00) with 118,000. The truck will not start and has weak spark. The distributor module has been replaced with no luck. If I leave the key in the "On Position" the fuel pump will run erratically, and the fuel pump relay "clicks" very quickly and erratic. Under the washer bottle, there is a wire harness that runs under it, and branches off on top of the left front wheel well with 3 connectors. The biggest connector with

12 pins (roughly) was corroded. I cleaned it, and still no luck. So then I inspected the other two connectors that are right next to the 12 pin connector, and they appear ok. Is there a common break in the harness? In that harness, is the wiring for the coil/distributor/and fuel pump together? Visually inspecting the harness, it looks ok. The truck seems to "flood" from cranking because the fuel pump is always energized. Smoke does come out the tail pipe, so there is little spark. I`d like to get this old girl back on the road. It has been sitting about a year. Thanks to anyone who can help!

...mfat

Reply to
Mfatoldsun
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It shouldn't really. Lack of fuel delivery is not a design feature of these engines. Get a fuel pressure gauge ($30 at Advance store) and see where you're at. I realize you've got some electrical issue, though. Maybe the fuel pump test lead is intermittently grounding?

If your spark is weak, have you considered replacing the coil?

Reply to
Joe
<< Lack of fuel delivery is not a design feature of these

Thanks for the tip!

<<I realize you've got some electrical issue, though. Maybe the

Could it be the Power Control Module? Doesn`t that send out a ground? Thanks for the help! .....were on the net can I download a wiring schematic for this truck?

...mfat

Reply to
Mfatoldsun

i just went under the back and found the power, cut it and ran it right to my ignition coming from the firewall. it started right up after cutting out here and there...still dont know if it is a switch because my front tank is still a work in progress...when ford wiring doesnt work some magyvering usually works

Reply to
matt

Dude, I found the problem............. I was unplugging connectors and what have you, so after cleaning all the wire harness connections, I pulled the fuel pump relay, and in the connector part, there was a corroded terminal. I cleaned it, and PRESTO the truck runs. That had me baffled! Before I found the problem, while I was cranking the engine, the tack would jump around. Also the engine hipper-locked because the fuel pump stayed energized. I had a feeling it was flooding. I pulled all the plugs out, disconnected the coil, cranked it over and gas shot out on the cylinders about 10 FT!!!But that fuel pump relay fixed all the problems!! One for the books!! Thanks fellas,

...mfat

Reply to
Mfatoldsun

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