Hello,
I have been troubleshooting my 85 F150, and ran across a strange issue. The #1 wire (the top wire) off of the TFI has a connector about 5 inches "upstream" that is disconnected and wrapped in electrical tape. Now I bought the truck 3 years ago and It has run very well, until recently. My question is, how could the truck run with this disconnected, isn't that the wire that goes to the PIP? And why would anyone disconnect it in the first place?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Barry

 

By disconnecting it, it takes the control of the timing away from the computer and the timing will be locked to a number where the engine will run to get you home. Looks like you have been running in that mode for awhile.

What engine is this?

 

302 2bbl. So should I assume the computer had failed at some point?

 

I wouldn't make that assumption; I suspect somebody was trying to "make it run better" by doing that + disconnecting various vacuum hoses and whatnot.

 

You need to make a decision, whether to try and get your original system going or replace the distributor and ignition system to a older type mechanical system.