1980 Lincoln Mark VI car wont start

Tiny
WILDECHRIS29
  • MEMBER
  • 1980 LINCOLN MARK VI
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
Hi, I have a 1980 Lincoln continental mark vi, and I took it to the car wash to wash the engine and went to start the car and it will not start. I have changed the batter, coil, ignition module, as well as crank sensor which I believe acts as the pick up sensor because it has a distributor with no wires in it. I have checked with a multimeter to test for power and it seems like I have power going to the coil but it isn't giving a spark. I have done several tests to make sure. Im not sure what else to do. Also I don't know if it matters but just so you are aware the engine is a 351 and it has a motorcraft carburetor which is not like most carburetors, it has sensors on the side of it and two black pump style things on the top. Its not something I am familiar with and just wanted to let you know what kind of carb it has in case that helps with determining any specific info about the car.
Friday, March 7th, 2014 AT 6:53 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,136 POSTS
First take the plug wires off the plugs and the cap and dry the insides of the wire plugs with contact cleaner or "wire dryer" spray.
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Saturday, March 8th, 2014 AT 6:41 AM
Tiny
WILDECHRIS29
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Yes I did that back when I first washed it. I disconnected the cap and all wires from the cap and coil and sprayed them with water displacement and left them off for a couple of days too dry.
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Saturday, March 8th, 2014 AT 6:46 AM
Tiny
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
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If youve got power going to the coil, and none coming out, then make sure the ground is clean tight and dry. Then id say that the coil may have gone bad
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Saturday, March 8th, 2014 AT 7:26 AM
Tiny
WILDECHRIS29
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Ive replaced the coil already but I will pull the wiring harness off it and test it from the inside of it and check that. Let me clean it up and check it and i'll get right back to you.
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Saturday, March 8th, 2014 AT 8:55 AM
Tiny
WILDECHRIS29
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So I tested the connector to the coil and it delivers power but my ignition module is staying on consistently even with the key off like I have arcing wires. Do you know if there is an ignition switch I can check?
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Saturday, March 8th, 2014 AT 3:33 PM
Tiny
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
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Id take the switch out and really give it a good look. It may have an internal failure. You've got the tools so check it for power where it should have it and not where it shouldn't. Operate the switch while you check, the power should go to a wire that was not powered before. That's the ignition wire
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Saturday, March 8th, 2014 AT 3:59 PM
Tiny
WILDECHRIS29
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Well thats what I was doing I was switching the ignition module off and on and it stayed on consistently. So do you know if there is an ignition switch under the dash? Im not aware of one.
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Saturday, March 8th, 2014 AT 4:03 PM
Tiny
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
  • MECHANIC
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My info only goes back to 1983, and I don't want to tell you the wrong thing. So heres what id do next. Since it quit when it got wet, unplug all the wires you can see and check the plugs for water. Im sending a diagram from the 83 info. Tell me if its the same as your car. Then I can send more if need be
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Sunday, March 9th, 2014 AT 5:48 AM

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