I have a '77 F150 powered by a '72 lincoln 460. the motor was upgraded to have a regular distributor (no points) and the ignition box leaks some kind of black stuff out of it. I have installed a new distributor cap, rotor, new plugs, and wires do i have a big problem? and what should i replace next?

 

Measure the battery voltage while the engine is running. If the voltage is past 14.4 volts, it's possible the voltage regulator is keeping the voltage too high, and frying the module. When a truck consistently fries ignition modules, the voltage regulator is the first place to look.

The second thing to consider is whether or not the factory ballast resistor was maintained upstream of the coil - this limits the current going through the power transistor in the module. I don't know if the ballast's absence will cause the module to boil over, but it can contribute to an increase in power dissipation.

If both of those check out, then I would replace the module. They can fail internally, and dissipate enough heat to cook themselves.

 

I just replaced the module on my 79 350 and it had the original motorcraft module on it. All the wax like or soft plastic material melted out of it at some point. It was all on the top of the wheel housing. Replace it.

 

fmc400 I don't know what half of what you said means, not to be rude. I am a semi truck driver and this is out of my comfort zone.i have a friend with a brand new msd control module for $140. will post pics of it

 

Ha! I see we have sort of a generation gap going on... a 'regular' distributor to me HAS points and a 'new' distributor, i.e. electronic, does not! Too funny.

The ignition module's circuit board is encapsulated by a sealant intended to protect it from the elements. The sealant has melted and is oozing out. I had the same issue but it, thus far, has not caused any problems. It is however a pain to clean up.

However, it should not be oozing. Excessive heat generated from any electronic component is an indication that it is building resistance and increased resistance means that it may fail in the near future. Electric fuel pumps tend to draw more current as they age. Some gearheads install a lower amperage fuse to serve as an early warning.

I recommend replacing the ignition control module and keeping the old one as a spare stored onboard your rig..... along with a spare starter solenoid (about $10).