I'm forced to work on my buddys 86 f150 that has been sitting for along time like at least 5 years. Turns over and has no spark. Replaced the coil and ignition control module. Has power to the positive side of coil with the key on. No ground pulse on the negative side. No fuel no power to pump and I cannot find power at the relay. Could a bad ECM cause both of these problems? Any suggestions of a diagnostic flow would be greatly appreciated!

 

If you got power to the coil, and have replaced the ignition module and coil, and get no spark when cranking the engine, the pickup coil inside the distributor is probably bad. You have to remove and disassemble the distributor to replace the pickup coil. Easiest just to get a NEW distributor, try to avoid rebuilt distributors. The rotor is in place under the distributor cap?

 

Yes the pick up coil could be next. Really would like to resolve the fuel pump problem next. Might just give up and make him sell it as is. He's dying. Trying to slim out the junk before that.

 

Is the battery in good shape? Obviously, it turns over the engine, but what are the volts during the cranking? If not enough volts left, it might not be enough for the ECM??

Just spit balling this... No idea otherwise...

Good luck!

Mitch

 

You need an LED test light to check for a pulse. Flashes too fast for a regular test light.
The ECM is possible, but it's down the list of likely. I'd bet on the PIP first.
If you could pick up a used (known to be good) distributor it wouldn't take long to put in. Truck's probably worth quite a bit more (and easier to sell) if it runs.
But you may run into other issues, like 5 year old gas, seized up pulleys, and who knows what else - so it may be better just to sell it off not running.