79 E150 Intermittant Start - Wet weather

[Mandi100]

Just bought a 79 E150 w/ 5.8 Windsor about 2 months ago.
It had been sitting for over a year when it was driven from Arkansas to Texas. Carborator rebuilt ~3 months ago. When it starts, it starts easy, runs fine.

I have twice now had to tow home due to it not starting. Both times in wet weather (coincidence?). By the way, tried starting ether, no luck.

*It does crank, doesn't 'catch.'

Maintenance completed:
Stabil in the tank when bought & twice refilled (gas is new)

New...
Fuel pump, Fuel Filter
Plugs, wires, cap, roter, coil, ICM, battery, battery cables

What the heck is making this not start sometimes?!

Thanks

[rhandwor]

Originally Posted by Mandi100

Just bought a 79 E150 w/ 5.8 Windsor about 2 months ago.
It had been sitting for over a year when it was driven from Arkansas to Texas. Carborator rebuilt ~3 months ago. When it starts, it starts easy, runs fine.

I have twice now had to tow home due to it not starting. Both times in wet weather (coincidence?). By the way, tried starting ether, no luck.

*It does crank, doesn't 'catch.'

Maintenance completed:
Stabil in the tank when bought & twice refilled (gas is new)

New...
Fuel pump, Fuel Filter
Plugs, wires, cap, roter, coil, ICM, battery, battery cables

What the heck is making this not start sometimes?!

Thanks

If your not getting spark I would try the pickup in the distributor. I don't think you have points as they weren't replaced. As you mentioned ignition control module the pickup is the only thing left. If you have a 12 volt test light when it won't start put it on the coil negative. If the test light doesn't blink when cranking its the pickup.
Otherwise a possible ignition switch.

[Mandi100]

Since I wrote last:

Replaced the whole distributor last week. Running great until...

...wouldn't start last night. Again it was a rainy day.

Waited ~3 hours and then got it to start (BARELY!).

Someone suggested the voltage regulator. I didn't think it would have anything to do with starting, but for $15, I'm willing to give it a try.

I am also thinking about replacing the ignition switch.

Grasping at straws.

[rhandwor]

Originally Posted by Mandi100

Since I wrote last:

Replaced the whole distributor last week. Running great until...

...wouldn't start last night. Again it was a rainy day.

Waited ~3 hours and then got it to start (BARELY!).

Someone suggested the voltage regulator. I didn't think it would have anything to do with starting, but for $15, I'm willing to give it a try.

I am also thinking about replacing the ignition switch.

Grasping at straws.

Use a 12 volt test light does the solenoid small get power when trying to start.
Ford voltage regulators have to be grounded try using sand paper and clean the mounting spots so it has a good ground. Make sure the ICM is mounter on clean metal.
Does the motor turn over or is the engine not getting spark.Does the coil positive get power. Do some testing before buying parts. Look for the ground strap from the engine to the body. Check fuel pump ground. Check battery ground. Grounds have a habit of causing these types of problems.
Pull a plug wire put in a spare plug ground the plug are you getting spark. Try spraying some starting fluid in the carb will it start. If you narrow the problem to no spark or no fuel it would give me some ideas.

[rhandwor]

Did you ever get this vehicle fixed what was the problem?