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Hello
I just got done putting in a new gas tank, oil and filter change and went to turn over the engine. It chugged once or twice like it was going to start but now the engine is turning over but won't ignite. I can see fuel flowing from the tank thru my fuel filter. I put an external spark tester on one of the spark plug wires (they don't penetrate the wire, just lay on top like this http://www.mechanicstoolswarehouse.com/ ... m=LIS19380 and it is not showing spark but I am not sure if this is accurate because it looks like I have the original ignition system and I believe it is shielded. In summary, I have fuel, I have air but no bang bang.

Question:
Can someone suggest an ordered list of what I should be checking? Or, is the issue obvious to you and there is a specific repair I need to make?

I have attached a picture of the ignition system in case that is pertinent.


Thank you in advance for any insights/help.

Make sure the key is turned fully. Sometimes mine looks like it's on but will not start.

I'd do a better test of the ignition. Can you pull a wire and safely ground it w a screwdriver to check for spark?

Do you have a strong gas smell after repeated attempts?

Thanks for replying. I did get a fuel smell but not overwhelming. The starter motor is turning the engine. Would the key position still be an issue?

Basic auto shop 101: engines need three systems to run. Mechanical, fuel and electrical.

Mechanical: any loose wires, loose distributor, linkage, carb leaking etc, timing
Fuel: solenoids working, fuel delivery to carbs, leaks?
Electrical: spark at plugs

Go through each system at a time, first looking for the obvious and drilling down from there.

good luck

Thanks Michael!

I'm truly not trying to be a smart a$$, so please do not be offended.

But this question:

The starter motor is turning the engine. Would the key position still be an issue?

makes me think that perhaps you may be well advised to get somebody well versed in basic auto electric and/or repairs to help you out here. Here's why:

When you first turn the key one click right, you notice the truck's dash lights come on. This turns on the ignition electronics, the parts that provide the spark to each cylinder.

But the engine's starter motor doesn't turn over until you push the "start" button. So even though the starter motor turns when you push the start button, it's a separate question from whether the ignition is actually "on". If the ignition isn't "on", then you won't have spark at the spark plugs.

The reason I suggested help, is because this is pretty basic auto circuitry.

That all said, you've got the original military ignition parts, so it's not quite as easy to check for spark (as compared to the civilian conversion). If it were me, I'd maybe test for fuel first. I'd remove the air box over the carbs, and pour about 1 tbsp. of gas into each carb. Then try to turn on the truck. If it fires briefly and dies, then you've got spark and should be looking at a fuel problem (bad filter, hoses, clogged or empty tank, carb problems). If it won't fire with a little primer gas, then I'd be looking at the ignition system, including the key switch.

khansmith wrote:Hello
I just got done putting in a new gas tank

Air in fuel line

TechMOGogy wrote:

khansmith wrote:Hello
I just got done putting in a new gas tank

Air in fuel line

Gas in gas tank?

When you step on the gas pedal and look into the bore of the carburetors are you getting a spray of fuel from the accelerator jet's?

It can take a lot of cranking to prime the fuel system especially if you have any air leaks in the system.
when i first read your post i failed to register the dropped fuel tank. Insure that gas is getting to the carbs.

Also if your truck has an auxiliary gas cab heater you may want to cap the line going to ti at least temporarily just to rule out air leaks in that portion of the fuel lines.

Did you ever get this sorted out?

It turns out my ignition system gave up the ghost. I got a solid state system from Pinzssi and my pinz has never ran so well! No need for a choke at start up and very smooth/responsive acceleration.

Nice been hearing nothing bit praise for the pinz SSI. May have to check it out when my 710 gets here.

mopar wrote:Nice been hearing nothing bit praise for the pinz SSI. May have to check it out when my 710 gets here.

Sorry off topic:
You sold the 718 and purchased a 710?
M or K?