Need a little help

[nickg80]

Hey guys,

I have a 1990 F-150 that was my dad's truck and has a lot of sentimental value. I have been able to fix it up multiple times, but currently it won't start.

I tried jump starting it with some pretty serious cables and then resorted to attempting to bump start down a big hill.

I was hoping someone might be able to help me get it started? It is in the Carrington subdivision in Trussville.

 

[jynx]

Have you tried jumping the starter solenoid?

If that doesn't work, try replacing the battery main cable to the solenoid. I just chased a similar problem and was about to rewire the whole dang truck, ended up somehow the positive cable was shot and after replacing it will dang near spin the starter off the motor.

 

[nickg80]

Have you tried jumping the starter solenoid?

If that doesn't work, try replacing the battery main cable to the solenoid. I just chased a similar problem and was about to rewire the whole dang truck, ended up somehow the positive cable was shot and after replacing it will dang near spin the starter off the motor.

No I haven't tried that. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Land Speeder]

My friend lives in Trussville (Grayson Valley) and he's a very good mechanic. I suppose I shouldn't post this without asking him to help.
But I could lend a hand in tomorrow's daylight for a bit. I could see what he's up to as well.

 

[BamaPaul]

I have an 87 and know these things pretty good but I'm a little bit out of the "swing by the house" range. If it won't turn over its usually either the battery cable, the start solenoid, ignition switch, or starter. I would start with the ignition switch since they like to go out. There is a rod that runs under the plastic cover on the column, it deformes after years of use and won't allow it to make contact like it should. Pull the plastic cover off and push on the rod while turning the key. That's where I would start anyways. This is all assuming that you have power at the battery and your accessories kick in as you turn the key.

 

[BamaPaul]

. I took a photo of the rod this morning for you.

 

[nickg80]

Thanks for the advice and pic. Looks like the rod is on top of the column? And when you say push on the rod, do you mean to apply pressure from above towards the column or push/pull along the column.

I am going to try this. I don't have power either, which makes me thing cable? The truck is at my grand parents house in Trussville, so I will get out there and try all this and report back.

 

[BamaPaul]

Yes push down towards the column. If you aren't getting power check across the starter solenoid to ensure its working. Ford put it on the fender well by the battery to make it easy access.

 

[jynx]

Get you a voltmeter and test from the ground to the positive post of the battery, then go from the ground to the hot side of the starter solenoid on the cable. If you see a difference in voltage from one to the other then you need a new cable. If your headlights won't come on or if nothing seems to be getting power then this is where I put my money. If you have power at the solenoid and the rod trick doesn't work then I would just go get a new solenoid and swap it out. They are cheap and easy to swap out. Let us know how that goes.