Truck will not start......

[Brother's Truck]

My brother is having a problem starting his 1985 F150 pick up. He has a 4.9L inline 6cyl engine. It is a standard, and kind of a low end pick up. The problem he is having is that sometimes the truck just will not start. It can start fine for days, then when he turns it off for a couple of minutes or comes out in the morning he is unable to start the truck. It does not seem to matter if the truck is cold or hot, or has just ran or sat overnight. In other words, there does not seem to be a pattern as to when it will or will not start. The truck turns over, and the battery is strong, everything fine there. Seems to be no spark, but there is fuel. We have replaced the coil, and the ignition control module with no success. The solenoid for the starter was replaced previously, due to no start, and no cranking of engine starter. It has been suggested that possibly the "ignition pick up coil" in the distributor could be the problem. I am wondering if anyone has any experience with this and could advise if we are on the right track. Engine turns over fine, and there is fuel, but no spark and the engine does not seem to "catch" when cranking over. Any information would be appreciated.

[ervinj]

Whoever told you that it could be the ignition pickup made a good choice. Being that old, it could very well be the culprit. A re-built distributor is only about 50.00. I'd go that route because the pickup might be ok but the bushings in the distributor could be worn causing the shaft to tilt thus, changing everything in the distributor?

ervinj

[pacman46]

Remove the distributor cap and try to move the rotor from side to side, if there is any movement, you probly need a new distributor.

[avalancheroofing]

did you have any luck changing distributor? Mine does the same on a 81 f100. Will turn over but no start. I put gas in carburator but no luck. wants to start, almost, but goes back to just turning over. please help. in line 6 4 speed.