Starting problems

[45acpJr]

For a month or two my truck would be hard to start in the morning. It would crank but wouldn't start. My first reaction was it was a fuel problem so I removed the mechanical pump and installed an electric pump. Still having the same problem, I removed and inspected all of the plugs and they look good. Spark plug wires are new 8mm Taylors. I checked the wires on the distributor side and I noticed a white powdery residue inside the boot on number 8. I'm assuming that is my problem but what causes that residue? I know it's not corrosion seeing on the plugs are only a few months old and I live in the desert.

 

[45acpJr]

No one?

 

[black dawg]

Usually higher than normal resistance can cause the residue that you are seeing, but it is only on one plug wire (not the cause of a no start).

You need to check for spark during the no start condition. Check at coil wire and and spark plug wire.

 

[British Slave]

Since you had a mechanical pump, I'm assuming you have a carb. Have you checked the choke to see if it is working?

 

[45acpJr]

No haven't, in fact I have very little experience with carbs, how would I check the electric choke?

 

[British Slave]

When it's cold, take the top off the air cleaner, press the accelerator to the floor one time and let up. Then look at the choke butterfly at the top of the carb. It should be almost closed. If it's not almost closed, it needs cleaning and/or adjusting. Don't try starting when you do this.

 

[45acpJr]

Thanks brother I think you solved the problem Of course I have another question tho, I loosened up the screws on the choke housing and it felt really loose. I had to turn it alot more than the tick marks before I felt any spring pressure. Is that normal or do I need to replace the choke?

 

[chulisohombre]

the choke spring could be broken.it loosens itself as the engine heats up.i think its only 40 bucks a the parts store last time i looked.depending on your carb.it could have just been really out of alignment too though.try it and see what it does.

 

[Fordum]

You can also get a kit to convert the automatic choke to a manual one. I did that on all my cars and trucks with carbs.
I liked the idea of putting the choke on only when I thought it needed it, plus I could set the truck up on fast idle without the choke being closed.

I did that when winding my PTO winch cable up by myself. The faster engine speed made the job quicker.

Of course, my first vehicle was manual choke, so I was more comfortable with using one than a lot of folks are now.