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Intermittent Crank No start.

431 Views 7 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  dylan-bowman
Hello, just joined the group on here, as I just purchased a '96 F-250 with the 460. When fires, it runs very well and I have taken it to work which is 21 miles 1 way, but every now and then after it has ran for a bit, it cranks but doesn't start. I replaced the ICM as my co-workers (I work at a garage) figured out that it loses spark at times. The ICM seemed to not fix the problem and so I am going to replace the the distributor this week. The truck does have 2 fuel tanks, one of which doesn't read the fuel level, and the other one does read the level, but seems to make the truck sputter more when accelerating. Times when I run the rear tank that reads it seems this problem is more prevalent and it cranks but does not start more often. When I changed the fuel filter I noticed the gas smelt terrible, could that be a reason for cutting out or is the pump going bad?

Either way, my main question is, do you think that the distributor is truly the cause of this no start issue? I do not want to keep throwing parts at it, but I need to drive it more often as my wife is going back to work after our wedding. Thanks.
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When I have experienced the same problem with mine it ended up being the ignition coil most of the time. The second time I had a similar issue it was the computer.
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You should put a pressure gauge on the Schrader valve and check for fuel pressure.
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Also check the resistance in the coil with an ohm meter. Don't throw parts at it.
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Have you checked for codes?
A pip signal code would indicate an issue with the distributor pick up.
The ECM takes the PIP signal modifies it based on operating parameters then sends it to the TFI module via the spout harness.






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Hello, just joined the group on here, as I just purchased a '96 F-250 with the 460. When fires, it runs very well and I have taken it to work which is 21 miles 1 way, but every now and then after it has ran for a bit, it cranks but doesn't start. I replaced the ICM as my co-workers (I work at a garage) figured out that it loses spark at times. The ICM seemed to not fix the problem and so I am going to replace the the distributor this week. The truck does have 2 fuel tanks, one of which doesn't read the fuel level, and the other one does read the level, but seems to make the truck sputter more when accelerating. Times when I run the rear tank that reads it seems this problem is more prevalent and it cranks but does not start more often. When I changed the fuel filter I noticed the gas smelt terrible, could that be a reason for cutting out or is the pump going bad?

Either way, my main question is, do you think that the distributor is truly the cause of this no start issue? I do not want to keep throwing parts at it, but I need to drive it more often as my wife is going back to work after our wedding. Thanks.
Without a whole bunch of details about your truck, I could start with easiest solution. A loose battery ground can do all your problems and cost you a new computer. Start with the battery and if it's dirty then cleaning it will ensure that detail is covered and then move up the line, test that coil change the fuel filter, then maybe you can find a way to reach top of tank to get wire plug to seat if thats what happened or else it could be theres a pinched wire grounding the fuel guage wire.
Hello, just joined the group on here, as I just purchased a '96 F-250 with the 460. When fires, it runs very well and I have taken it to work which is 21 miles 1 way, but every now and then after it has ran for a bit, it cranks but doesn't start. I replaced the ICM as my co-workers (I work at a garage) figured out that it loses spark at times. The ICM seemed to not fix the problem and so I am going to replace the the distributor this week. The truck does have 2 fuel tanks, one of which doesn't read the fuel level, and the other one does read the level, but seems to make the truck sputter more when accelerating. Times when I run the rear tank that reads it seems this problem is more prevalent and it cranks but does not start more often. When I changed the fuel filter I noticed the gas smelt terrible, could that be a reason for cutting out or is the pump going bad?

Either way, my main question is, do you think that the distributor is truly the cause of this no start issue? I do not want to keep throwing parts at it, but I need to drive it more often as my wife is going back to work after our wedding. Thanks.
UPDATE: It was a combination of both the distributor and a bad ignition coil. The distributor took care of the no start problem, but it took a downpour of rain to expose the bad coil and coil wire. The coil would intermittently cause a loss of spark. Truck is running like a champ now. I appreciate all of your input.
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