Ford Thermostart system

[Bill Allis]

Our 3 cyl 4000 has Thermostart. I am not sure it is working. In the 40's the other day, I held the key in the position, just before crank and the
idiot lights were out, for about 40 seconds. It didn't seem to help. Is there a sound, like a burp, or will the unit get hot? Is there a simple
way to tell if it is working?

 

[Sean in PA]

First check for voltage at the electrical terminal on the thermostart element itself when the key is being held in the "heat" position. If it is getting voltage then the next thing I would do is loosen the fuel line fitting at the thermostart to make sure you've got fuel dripping there. If those first tow things check out then remove the tube from the air cleaner where it connects to the front of the intake manifold and you should be able to see the thermostart element glowing in there if you have someone else hold the key, and if it heats enough to open the valve and there's fuel available you should actually see some fuel drip in and light on fire.

 

[Bill Allis]

Thank you.

Bill

 

[Texasmark1]

Yepper! That's how I checked mine.