1985 Ford F-150 300 inline 6 cranks but won't start. How do I fix this?

New ignition control module, solenoid, rotor cap, battery ends. Checked wiring for shorts & fuses. Cleaned carburetor. Starter & alternator good. Exhaust clear. Fuel line delivering fuel. Plugs gapped right. Frustrated as hell & need some solid advice from someone who knows these old trucks well please.

Fresh Gas?

Try spraying some start fluid in carb if it tries, then it's the fuel system. If not it's the spark.

Check timing chain/belt.

The ignition stator inside the distributor is bad.

Timing, spark, air and fuel. One of these things is not right. You need to verify fuel pressure at the rail as well. It may be pumping fuel, but if the pressue is low the injectors don't work.

Did you find the engine out of time and tried to reset that? It may need a new timing chain and gears, especially if the timing won't adjust enough without removing the distributor- chain jumped timing.

Is there spark at the spark plugs?

Is there fuel getting in?

My first quick test for a situation like yours is to spray some ether (starting fluid) into the carburetor or air inlet.

If it starts or attempts to start then you have spark and probably a fuel delivery problem.

If it just acts dead, then you likely have an ignition problem.

Did your truck run or did you just get it in an inoperable condition?

-Engine overhaul mechanic and general automotive mechanic since 1972.

Mine has an ignition module on dist… A common failure… A couple screws and a plugin