Cranks, no start....sometimes....

Duane

Well-known member
I've had Duraspark on the Maverick for about 15 years now, but usually worse when cold, it cranks, won't start, but when you let the key to the run position, it fires, usually runs backwards though. Sometimes I cycle the key, then it fires the ignition, but this morning I had lots of trouble getting it to fire. I put another (used) module on it, and it's still the same. Any ideas? I had an old F150 do the same thing, but I sold it before I bothered fixing it.
 
It sounds like you aren't getting good voltage to the coil when cranking. When you release the key you get a voltage spike as the starter is no longer engaged. Many things can cause this. Poor grounds, dirty battery conections. Weak battery.

A somewhat easy fix is to get a starter solenoid that has a "I" terminal next to the "S" terminal. You then run a wire from the "I" terminal over to the "+" side of your coil. The "I" terminal will provide battery voltage to the coil when cranking. This should give you the voltage you need to get things running. Of course you should clean all battery connections first.
 
Everything is clean, battery great, and I do have the positive(for the module) already hooked to the solenoid. This has been happening for about 6 months now, and when I rebuilt the engine last month, all battery cables were replaced, all grounds cleaned, new ground strap also. It doesn't do it enough to properly diagnose it, so I can't grab a meter and see what ain't got power.
 
Check your wiring could be a wire shorting against something or a cracked wire. Check from the dizzy to the coil to the ignition switch and back; also check from the starter to the starter solenoid and the harness back to the voltage regulator. It also wouldn't hurt to take a wire brush to the ground strap and terminals even if they look clean. Check for tightness and check all push on connectors. Sometimes the crimp on connectors at the alternator, starter solenoid, voltage regulator and coil can work lose. Fix with solder.
 
I had problems with a 79 Pinto with Duraspark. It turns out that moisture wouod build up inside the half moon clip on the coil. sprayed it with WD-40, and problems went away. Could be? :?
 
I hope by using a little of ALL of the tips you guys posted, I may fix it. It seems worse during some wet weather, so it may be a wet connection at the coil, so I cleaned it, I also cleaned the connection at the solenoid, I just have a ring terminal end on it, then the push-on connector too. After about 5 minutes in the driveway this morning,and a few at the donut shop, it started fine all day. Today was the worst day ever, usually I just cycle the key a few times and it starts, not today...It was cold, and sleeting this morning, after wearing a t-shirt and going R/C plane flying at lunch yesterday, stupid Texas weather! So amybe I'll see in the morning. Thanks for all the tips!
 
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