1988 Ford F350 Key Cylinder disaster

Tiny
MIKEYTHEHAT
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 FORD F-350
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 150,000 MILES
I spent most of my free time this summer bringing back from the dead this F350. Had it running beautifully until a couple of weeks ago I started her up and the key cylinder did not return the key to the on position after starting. An important detail about this truck is that it belonged to some people who had done a crappy job with the wiring. There are no fusible links anywhere that I can find. So, when the key cylinder malfunctioned, the starter circuit stayed open for roughly 5 minutes, until I could get somewhere and shut it off. I didn't realize at the time that all I needed to do was back off the key.
Anyway, the starter burned out as did the solenoid on the engine compartment wall and the ignition switch. I was able to start it once after replacing them but now the starter wont turn at all. I've been over my cables to check for continuity, replaced the voltage regulator, glowplug control unit and it still wont start.

What else is on that circuit that could need replacement and what else can I do?
Thursday, November 13th, 2008 AT 5:30 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JAMES W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,395 POSTS
We are going to have to start from scratch here so bare with me. You mentioned you changed "glow plug control" so I'm assuming this is a diesel. Do you have power to the start solenoid on start? If "no", is the a safety switch on the clutch pedal linkage that isn't closing? Please advise.
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Thursday, November 13th, 2008 AT 6:05 PM

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