IowaTom

I'd had a ground cable easy disconnect gizmo and took it off, replacing it with a typical ground cable. It seems to have done the trick. Thanks, Mat!

Got the Cerakote and Gary's right, it's good stuff and I was able to spiff up the rubber bumpers of my wife's Kia, too! No more sticky steering wheel...and my door panels look great. :-)

Great idea! Thank you, Gary, I'll look into it!

Guys - I've got a sticky stock steering wheel in my '85 F150 and would like to get something I could slip over it. Not finicky but don't want fur or shaggy looking. Have you used something you're happy with? Thanks!

Thank you, Matt! I think bad grounds is the "poltergeist" of amateurs. :-)

Guys - I replaced my steering column with a rebuilt tilt unit that works great. Did this after my key mechanism fell to pieces on the old, non-tilt with wiggly steering wheel. :-) My 300 six does not have an access 'hole' for a mechanical pump, so I'm using an electric one. I find when I key over to start the pump (for priming when she's sat a week or two) then turn the key to fire the engine, I get a click and - of all things - the dome light goes out. Key off and try again, nothing. I have to disconnect a battery cable and once re-connected, the truck will fire off. Is my issue in the rod actuated column switch? I've followed Gary's help page on lining it up, but this one's got me stumped.

Thank you, Guys. No, I don't have a return line to the tank - but you've convinced me to replace the little red pump pronto!

Maybe this one? http://tinyurl.com/fnorpish

Guys - I'd appreciate a recommendation for an electric "clicky-clacky" for my F150's Carter YF knock-off. I'm planning on moving the location of my pump - back to near the tank, since my 300 six doesn't have a provision for a mechanical one. Right now I'm using the little, red Edelbrock that delivers 2-3 lbs and the previous owner mounted it just under the carb. My truck doesn't like hills. My gas filter is good, compression is great and I think I'm okay with timing. Leads me to believe I could use a few more pounds of pressure from a dependable pump. Thanks!

Great stuff, Guys. I really appreciate everyone's ideas. My neighbor is a mechanic by trade and sold me the truck a few years ago. He came over, looked at the wiring and heard the story - that it ran started fine before many, many times. He climbed under it, gave it a few friendly taps with my Tonya Harding (hammer) and it sprang to life. Love those offshore starters. Mine was good for a year.

Jeff, <> That's the one. I just think I've screwed up somewhere. My auto electric guy is a luddite and trying to explain to him what I have connected to here and there is like listening to Abbott & Costello doing "who's on first". Jim - I tried jumping from those terminals and only get one click that doesn't repeat.

Jim - The heavy black cable is going to the starter solenoid (by the engine).

The heavy black cable UNDER the starter is attached to one of the two bolts holding the starter to the block and the other end goes to the battery's negative terminal. Forgot to mention.

Guys - What's wrong with this picture? I believe I have something not right here...Only getting a click from Mr. Solenoid. My logic is not Vulcan! The pink wire on top goes to the starter to close the circuit. The purple wire next to it goes to the IGN switch. On the lower lug; Thickest cable to the battery + terminal. One #10 red goes to the one-wire alternator. Other #10 red to my headlight relays. Thickest black cable to the starter. Smaller black cable goes into the wiring harness. (?) I feel like an idiot asking for your help but something's not right here. Thanks so much!

I've had my truck two years now and after many challenges and posts here - with your super helpful answers - knock on wood, I think most of the bugs are worked out and I really enjoy driving the truck. In fact, I've gotten to where I no longer hold my breath on start-up or go dry mouth in traffic! Replaced a lot of stuff when I first tore into the project, and had other issues pop up, alluding to that "peeling an onion" characterization Gary mentioned. Thankfully, now she shifts fine, stops great and after replacing the column with a good rebuilt tilt model; starts great and is comfy to drive. This one's a keeper. I've owned a few Rangers in my time but glad my neighbor had this ol' girl to sell when I came over. The last thing I had done was windshield replacement and I let professionals do it. The old one was delaminating around the edges and it leaked terribly in rain. Took her out in a driving rain this morning and was delighted when nary a drop got in. I could go spend a ridiculous 70K on a new, big ugly something that does everything but blow my nose, but I'd never have the fun and sense of accomplishment I get with my $3,500 investment in my almost 39 year old Ford.