Is there anything that makes these things blow?

 

For what year truck?

 

Sorry, it is an 81, 302 carbureted engine, stock.

 

Heat kills the things. They can be tested at most parts stores (although only some stores can test for heat-caused failures).

 

External heat or overheating wires?

 

Heat to the module itself. Some space the module away from the fender liner by placing washers on the screws between the module and the liner. The theory is that air will circulate there as well as on top, thereby cooling it better. Not proven, but it can't hurt.

 

This isn't really the right thread, but as Anafiel says Tools, tools, gotta have tools. I have an aftermarket Duraspark tester. A now dead from colon cancer friend had it and gave it to me before he died.

 

So, if you come across one that fails when you put heat to it maybe you could check to see what temp it takes to fail. Not that it makes a big difference, but it might help us understand how hard it is to test one that is failing.

 

I put a new one on just a little over a year ago from Auto Zone. It failed so I took it back with the receipt. They tested it and it was bad so they swapped it out. Still no start so I took the new one back yesterday and it was bad too. They were going to swap it and the one off the shelf tested bad too. Got my money back and went to a local mom and pop store that has been a good place to buy parts. Bought one there for about $37.00 and the truck started then sputtered out in a few seconds. I do have spark so now I will be checking the fuel pump or the distributor. If the fuel pump is OK, I might just buy a new distributor. I should know everything about this '81 by now, I bought it new.

 

You bought it new? Cool!