ROBUST CRANKING BUT DOESN'T START

[JIMLOG22]

Thank you, Action.
My mechanic has done this many times so I expect a positive outcome overall.
My Lincoln is 41 years old so I can expect that parts that are installed today will last another 41 years.
JIM IN TORONTO

 

[Action]

Potentially longer depending on the part.

Materials and chemicals that are available today were not in the market place 40 years ago.

Action

 

[JIMLOG22]

Hello Action
So I just communicated with my mechanic and he will extract the old distributor assembly and put in the new.
The part costs around $55 US
He said it may break off during the extraction but we will hope for a positive outcome.
JIM IN TORONTO

 

[Action]

I have removed a few stubborn units.
The worst one took me a month to remove.
It would move a little in the hole.
I just added penetrating oil every few days.
Finally it let go.

And there is a rubber O ring at the bottom.
I may have better off using some heat and that might have made it go faster.

Action

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[JIMLOG22]

Hi Action,
My mechanic works on my Lincoln when he has time between his daily drivers' needs.
Thank you for your patience and insight.
JIM IN TORONTO

 

[JIMLOG22]

JULY 18, 2025
Hello everyone,
My mechanic said, "We managed to get the distributor assembly out earlier this week. I’m just waiting for a new timing light to show up so we can correctly time the vehicle as my old timing light was not working."
JIM IN TORONTO

 

[JIMLOG22]

JULY 18, 2025
Hello everyone,
My mechanic said, "We managed to get the distributor assembly out earlier this week. I’m just waiting for a new timing light to show up so we can correctly time the vehicle as my old timing light was not working."
JIM IN TORONTO

JULY 22, 2025
Hello everyone,
My mechanic said, "There seems to be a couple other issues going on with the car that are putting it out of time. (1) The ignition control module is sending a weird signal to the ECM which is adding to the misfire issue we're getting and (2) It looks like the timing chain itself has gotten stretched. The timing chain being stretched like that is definitely going to prevent us from timing the car for you."
"If you're wanting us to deal with both of those issues for you, the total would come to about $1735 CAD with the taxes already included.
JIM IN TORONTO

 

[JIMLOG22]

Hello Everyone,
My Lincoln is back from the mechanic as he has installed new plugs, wires and ignition module. He also replaced the Distributor cap but not the entire assembly. He said he pulled it out and re-installed the assembly. He re-positioned the wires what he thought was the right firing order on Google.
I drove my Lincoln home and it stalled one time going up a grade.
Now it will start nicely and run roughly for a few seconds after which it will stop.
JIM IN TORONTO

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[Action]

The age old question would be -
Is the engine starved of fuel?
Or is there an issue with the ignition system?

My guess is the situation is fuel related. But know there is no fact behind that.

Action

 

[JIMLOG22]

Hello Everyone,
I extracted the distributor assembly from my Lincoln and found an o-ring which had been sliced in two plus there is damage to the stem. The wires are on correctly.
I located what looks like a new distributor assembly on Ebay but I have never bought anything through the site.
Do you know of a company in the US who would stock this item?
Hello Action: Do you have one at your place?
Let me know and thanks,
JIM IN TORONTO

 

[Action]

Ebay is a good source of parts. However that seller does NOT have a good feedback score at 95%. I would want to deal with a seller that is 98% or higher for first time usages.

These distributors are remanufactured by Cardone. You can buy one through Rock Auto.
There are other retailers too. Or pick an eBay seller that has a higher feedback score.

Action

 

[JIMLOG22]

Hi Action,
I joined Ebay and when I clicked on this item, the vendor sent me an offer.
Is this a verified vendor?
This is the link

SURFACE RUST - OUT OF BOX FORD E4TE-12127-CA-R Distributor 1984-1985 351W-V8 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for SURFACE RUST - OUT OF BOX FORD E4TE-12127-CA-R Distributor 1984-1985 351W-V8 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.ca

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[JIMLOG22]

Hello,
My issue with my Lincoln mark VII is the battery will not hold a charge. When I had the battery brought up to 12.4 volts, the car will start and run but after leaving it overnight, it will not start but turn over maybe once. I cleaned the connections at the relay but I can't access the starter on the passenger side to clean those connections.

 

[Action]

Sounds like a parasitic drain. Meaning there is an electrical drain after the vehicle is shut down.

After the engine is shut down for 30 minutes, check for current draw. There may be some. Any more than 75 MILIAMPS is too much!

And you should really start a new thread for new topics.
This isn't strong cranking and no start.

Action

 

[JIMLOG22]

Today I called our CAA to start my Lincoln. He arrived in 26 minutes and connected his booster pack then the car started right up within a few seconds of cranking. We looked at his meter which gave a reading of 12 volts more or less. I kept the idle up to maybe 1500 RPM for a few minutes and then I let it idle. It ran rough and emitted plumes of smoke then it stopped. When I turned the key, nothing happened.

 

[Action]

Likely the battery has been damaged because of continuously being drained. If the issue is an excessive parasitic draw.

Twelve volts at the battery with the engine running is low, The voltage at the battery with the engine at 1500 RPM should be 13.5 volts to 14.5 volts.
At idle 12.5 to 13.5
And if the battery is no longer accepting a charge, 12 volts may be all the system can handle.

Action

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