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1978 Thunderbird won't start
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grannygin
New User
May 8, 2008, 12:44 PM
Post #1 of 6
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1978 Thunderbird won't start
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I have a 1978 Thunderbird in really good condition that I dearly love. I am on social security so can't afford to replace it. Not sure if I really want to anyway. It turns over but won't start. My nephew replaced the ignition coil but still won't start. He said the spark plugs aren't firing. Where do we go from here??
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Double J
Veteran
/ Moderator
May 8, 2008, 3:56 PM
Post #2 of 6
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Re: 1978 Thunderbird won't start
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You need to find out what is causing the no spark condition.
Without proper testing equipment /diagnostic know-how ,you may just throw parts at it in an attempt to repair and just waste money.
I sure being on social security that you certainly do not want to do that.
There are many possibilities that can cause a no spark/no start condition.
Ignition control module
Distributor pickup coil
Distributor cap/rotor
Coil wire/spark plug wires
Wiring
Engine jumped time..Timing chain and gear
If he has some diagnostic abilities,he can look into these otherwise i suggest taking /towing it to a reputable mechanic for diagnostics/repairs.
Jim
(This post was edited by JIM N on May 8, 2008, 3:56 PM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 8, 2008, 5:25 PM
Post #3 of 6
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Re: 1978 Thunderbird won't start
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What engine is in this? Could be 302, 351, or the 400/351M - if you can still read it, it's marked on the drivers side valve cover on a yellow/orange sticker.
Ign modules should have been on or near driver's side inner fender and usually if they lasted a year they were good forever. I think just two were used identified by the color at the plug into the thing.
Never once saw a timing chain break in one of these but they can jump - you would still have spark though.
If unsure about the spark, check that the choke closes as it could be stuck open and they won't start without it unless primed with starting fluid or a smidge of raw gas. If it has snapped shut DON'T add or prime - that's not it.
Rare but gear on dist can shear a pin and not turn distributor. Check with dist cap off if rotor spins while cranking. If not try to gently turn it by hand - if it turns (more than a little) the gear needs a roll pin! That's fooled folks when these weren't so old - cough - and neither was I!
T
(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on May 8, 2008, 5:26 PM)
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
akeeljrb08@yahoo.com
May 9, 2008, 11:34 AM
Post #4 of 6
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Re: 1978 Thunderbird won't start
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I want to thank both of you. Your ideas will be extremely helpful. I will pass them on to my nephew.
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
akeeljrb08@yahoo.com
May 9, 2008, 11:37 AM
Post #5 of 6
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Re: 1978 Thunderbird won't start
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The car has a v8/351 engine
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 9, 2008, 12:38 PM
Post #6 of 6
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Re: 1978 Thunderbird won't start
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Control Module-Ignition Duralast / Control Module-Ignition  for a 1978 Ford Thunderbird 
Related Parts  Pick-Up Coil  Rotor - Ignition Distributor Cap About this product: Part Number: F110 Weight: 1.86 lbs. Warranty: LLT  Pricing: $21.99  Availability: Store: Not Available Online: Ships within 2 business days Store:   Online: 
Check this out from AutoZone! Module and pickup coil still available thru them and wicked cheap compared to what they were back then!!!! Still make sure distributor turns and connections look good. Origs would be greased.
Note: There are two 351 engines. One is the Windsor which looks identical to the 302. The other is a big block (great engines) 351/M (modified) and appears identical to the 400M. This is back when liter's weren't so heavily used but they are.........
302 = 5.0L (64% of engines used then)
351 = 5.8L
351M = 5.8L also
400 = 6.6L
T
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