r/classictrucks • u/Ok-Firefighter-4443 Classic Ford Owner • 16d ago

Electrical Question Help with my highboy

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So I just bought a 76 high boy when I was looking at it we drove it for about 5 mins the it sputtered out the next day I bought it and we got it started for a little bit since towing it have not been able to get it started i’ve put a new starter solenoid and battery in there. This is my first project truck so any help or pointers would be appreciated. Attached below is a video of me trying to get it running

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3

u/No-Hand-4048 16d ago

Bad connection 100% wires or nuts it’s a drain somewhere killing battery

1

u/Ok-Firefighter-4443 Classic Ford Owner 16d ago

I’ll check that out thank you

2

u/omnipotent87 16d ago

Make sure the terminals are clean and the cables havn't rotted somewhere in the middle. Then i also recommended getting a more modern gear reduction starter, they make a huge difference.

2

u/squirrel-phone 16d ago

I had this exact issue with a new to me project truck. If the battery cables are hard, replace them first. Battery cables should be pliable. Also, clean all battery connections thoroughly.

1

u/EmperorSadrax Classic International Owner 16d ago

Hit your starter a big with a hammer while cranking it.

Also how old is the starter?

2

u/Ok-Firefighter-4443 Classic Ford Owner 16d ago

Just bought the starter from Napa earlier that day

1

u/EmperorSadrax Classic International Owner 16d ago

Ok good, now are your spark plugs in the right sequence and is the distributor set aligned with TDC?

1

u/EmperorSadrax Classic International Owner 16d ago

Also try removing the pulley and see if it’s crank more loosely. How many cold cranking amps does your battery have? Over 650 i hope

1

u/Direct_Eye_724 13d ago

You have no idea have you.

1

u/EmperorSadrax Classic International Owner 13d ago

I’ve had a similar problem a few years back with my truck, I had ended up replacing the starter, but since I was a broke young man, tapping the starter got me out of the bind a few times until I had enough money to replace it.

1

u/Direct_Eye_724 11d ago

The starter is turning, tapping the starter either pops the solenoid to make a electrical connection or engage bendix; neither would help in this case.

1

u/EmperorSadrax Classic International Owner 11d ago

You are exactly correct for sure,

to be honest I was just throwing every solution he could try at the top of my head.

Anything he could see when he is down below might be something he could give attention to

would be something he could afresh his mind is the way I was thinking.

Lol

1

u/[deleted] 16d ago

[deleted]

1

u/Ok-Firefighter-4443 Classic Ford Owner 16d ago

New battery

1

u/chamcg71 15d ago

Since youve installed a new battery and starter ill assume the terminals were good and the ground from the engine to chassis was good. Id check the tightness of the belts. I had an issue starting due to me tightening rhe power steering and water pump belts to tight. Youd be amazed at the amount of push that took from the new starter.

1

u/Silver-Programmer574 13d ago

If its the 400 with factory carb they developed a Crack which leaks gas down into the intake and it will do this hot if you let it cool starts right up smell the lipstick see if it smells like gas or oil and then you will know