Runs one day, not the next

[kimbill]

A 1988 OMC, 5.0L Ford....... has always run well, not this season. Runs great, then quits. Rattle shift, turn key on and off, swear at it, and it might start. The next outing might be trouble, the following outing we get towed back to the dock. The fuel filter, plugs, and points are fresh...........Got any ideas?

Bill with unhappy grandkids

 

[LAC_STS]

Re: Runs one day, not the next

Gotta just start ruling stuff out.

Check if there's water in the fuel, and if it really is intermittent like off then on then maybe there is an electrical connection loose somewhere. Check the grounds, the harness, shift assist, battery , etc.

Basically probably gonna have to check everything. Eventually you'll find it. I could list off tons of things but its better if you look in your manual (if you don't have one get one, an OEM one) and just go down the whole maintenance list checking everything really good along the way.

If your using a points IGN then make sure the dwell is and timing are correct. Check the dizzy good.


Good luck