1995 F150 - replaced plugs in ok condition with platinum plugs in better condition. Truck started before replacing plugs. Truck not turning over with new plugs. The engine cranks but won't catch. I gapped each plug at .044. The wires are all brand new and are firmly attached to each plug.

Any ideas?

 

are you sure you have the right wires on the right plugs?

 

and the center wire is attached on the distributor?

 

I only did one plug at a time so i know i didn't cross the wires. I'll double-check the center wire on the distributor but i'm pretty sure i checked all the "small" stuff. I noticed though that my F150 has a Fuel Pump Shutoff Switch (according to the sticker under the hood) and that it might be the reason why the engine isn't starting but I dont have an owners manual and dont know where it is.

 

on the 97-03 trucks its behind the passenger kick panel, im not sure where its at on your truck.

 

thats where mine is.

njfordboy- did you replace the plugs for a reason? or just for preventive maintenance?

 

Matts ford-Do you have a 97-03 truck or are you saying that you have a 95 and the switch is behind the kick panel?

I replaced the plugs for preventative maintenance. I'm pretty much changing everything over time so I now when it was last done.

 

mines a 93 which is basically the same thing as yours. you may have to take a couple screws out of the plastic strip on the floor to be able to pull the kick panel off, theres 2 clips holding it on, just pull it straight back and the inertia switch is right in there.

 

I'm still not convinced that replacing plugs would cause the fuel pump switch to trip. There's gotta be some explanation as to why the engine cranks but won't turn over. It shouldnt be the starter because the engine is trying to turn over and there's no clicking sound. I could always do a bench test on it but i'd prefer not to go thru the trouble of removing it. Maybe there's crap in the cylinders that needs to be blown out?

Even still......you should be able to start the truck without firing on all cylinders.

 

its not uncommon for those to trip and need to be reset. Even just closing the hood could do it, remember the hood hinge is directly above the inertia switch.

 

Inertia switch wasn't tripped. Took plugs out, used compressed air in cylinders to remove any residue, re-gapped them, and checked wire connections. Is it possible to over crank and kill the starter? Can't figure out why everything seems to be functioning properly but the damn engine just wont turn over.

 

can you hear the fuel pump come on before you crank the truck?

 

If its a click sound when the key is turned to 'run', yes I hear it.

 

No when you key on you should hear a whine for two seconds while the fuel pump gets to normal pressure. Might be easier if you pop the fuel door open, and listen on the filler neck and have someone else key on for you.

 

Not hearing the fuel pump. I guess it's next in line for replacement. Anyone know if the pump is in-tank on a 4.9L V6 in a 95? Has anyone replaced it themselves?