Are there any mechanics out there?
By savak03
@savak03 (6684)
United States
July 31, 2009 7:36pm CST
I am trying to fix up an old ford pickup truck that has a 302 engine. I've got it all together but can't get it to crank. It is firing and the fuel pump is working. The gas gets to the carburator and into the intake manifold but doesn't get to the spark plugs. I've replaced the plugs, wires, points, condenser, rotor button, distributor cap, and coil. Does anyone have an idea of what could be causing it to refuse to start? I really appreciate any help anyone can offer.
2 people like this
4 responses
@mommamusic (882)
• United States
2 Aug 09
Have you checked your main spark plucg if # 1 is bad it want start and is the gap right on the plug,for a 302 you can gap it with it a match book cover.Did you rebuild the moter?If so the battery may not be strong enough to turn it over if it is a stright driv try starting it bt having some one push you off while in nurtrul and when you have enough speed pop the clutch,just a thought.Goodluck.
@mommamusic (882)
• United States
3 Aug 09
Ok i think you right after thinking this for awhile thats what i came up with i may be awoman and old but i havedone my share of fixing cars trucks and motor-cycles good luck.
@savak03 (6684)
• United States
2 Aug 09
The spark plugs are new and yes we gapped them. It is a straight stick but the problem is we have nothing powerfull enough to push it. We are driving a ranger and this truck is a big truck with doolies. We've got fire but the gas doesn't get to the plugs. I'm beginning to think the valves are stuck. What do you think?
@mysdianait (66009)
• Italy
1 Aug 09
Gosh Savak, not even one response yet 
Seems the males of the species are not what they used to be.
I have no idea at all about the mechanics of cars and I do admire you for being so well-informed. If my car starts when I turn on the engine that's fine otherwise I have to call someone to help out.
Uhm... daft I guess but you have got gas in it yup? 
@savak03 (6684)
• United States
1 Aug 09
That is actually a good thought there mysd and yes it does have gas. Also I am so glad you commented on this discussion because when I went to bed last night I thought I had finally had a first I didn't want, a discussion that no one has responded to. Sooo, although we are not supposed to say thanks for responding, thanks. 
1 person likes this
@mysdianait (66009)
• Italy
3 Aug 09
Alice you do soooo remind me of Dawn French!
You are soooooo making me laugh today wherever I read you me lass!
You are soooooo making me laugh today wherever I read you me lass! 
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
1 Aug 09
Have you checked the compression and timing? Aside from these areas and fuel pressure issues, all other things seem to have been mentioned already. My immediate assumption would've been problems with the fuel pump or lines, but you've said that this has all been checked? Spark plugs generally become messed up from leaking oil seals, a rich fuel mixture, or cylinder head problems that cause engine coolant to get into the combustion chamber. Checking all of these parts and their interlinking lines may help.
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
1 Aug 09
I am not a mechanic but I have had my fair share of vehicle problems over the years. I would try to replace the fuel filter. That could be the problem since you replaced the other things.
