So, I know on at least one of my cylinders I have an orange spark, which Im told it might mean that its weak. I also have a running problem talked about elsewhere on this forum. Ive read elsewhere that the orange spark can be normal, but Im not 100% sure. Is there a way to test to see if my spark is weak? Also, how do I tell if its possibly my ignition coil? How do I tell if any other component is weak in the ignition system? Im selling this truck for probably around 1000 (its in kinda rough shape), so I don't really want to put more money in it that I have to.

What are your guys opinions on what to use for a tuneup? Im pretty sure that the over the counter stuff I bought at Kragens/Oreillys are absolute crap. Ive got 15k miles on my cap, wires, plugs and rotor. Ive already got kind of a weak spark and a severe running condition that I believe is attributed to the wires. Im thinking OEM ford wires, Blue Streak or OEM cap, and a rotor with copper conductor...dont know which one that is

 

Run copper motorcraft plugs, get some ford 9mm plug wires and an MSD cap/rotor. Your coil may be faulty or going bad so that is something to consider replacing also if the tune up doesnt help you. Gap the plugs to .50-.55 and bump your timing to 12*btdc with the engine warmed up and spout connector removed. Put spout back in and disconnect the battery for 15mins. reconnect and go for a 30-45min drive in various conditions so the computer can relearn.

 

Hrm...Time to learn how to use a timing light.... I've never seen an msd cap or rotor for sale here locally, I'm guessing that will be internet. Anyone have good experiences with brands other than MSD? Im guessing its going to be spendy and I need to be in this truck for as little money as possible, but I dont want to buy a cheap cap/rotor and still have issues. Ill look into the MSD in the meantime.

 

Still wondering if an orange spark is normal?

 

In my experience, as I stated before, an orange colored spark is not normal. This is an indication of a weak secondary ignition.

 

Ok, so thus far I was able to source an Accel Cap and Rotor...couldnt get msd locally. But, they both have Copper conductors. Truck still runs just as badly, so next is new wires. I'm ordering them today from our vendor PartsGuyed.

 

Easy way to check the wires is to get a spray bottle, fill it with water and mist the wires (preferably in a garage or shop with the lights off). You'll see all kinds of arcing if the insulation is bad. A resistance check is a good test too.

 

I also will suggest Motorcraft copper plugs or at least Autolite ones.

I prefer the Motorcraft spark plug wires, as well as cap and rotor. The plug wires fit nicely. I had the Ford Racing ones and they are miles too long.

 

I ll have to go out tonight with a spray bottle and check for the crossfire. My garage is crammed full of gardening equipment currently.

 

I went with Autolites and they fit "okay" but the OEM (original) Motorcraft ones that were on the truck fit better. I also went with Autolite copper plugs. Runs good!

 

Thats also what I noticed.