Just got a 351W in a truck, have ?s

[Jermafenser]

I recently got a 97 F350 XL 4wd with a 351W & an E40D. I was surprised to find a distributor installed in a 97 still! Thought all engines were with coil packs by that time. My 94 Explorer is.

I want to change plugs, install new spark plug wires, new coil...what exactly does it have? How do I go about tuning this thing up? I suspect it is a hybrid of a sort...I couldn't find the coil. The center wire went to this ballast-looking box way back on the driver's side valve cover. What is this?

I want to know in-depth about this thing. Thanks.

[LxMan1]

It is the last of the distributor vehicles. It is stock and parts should be readily avilable.

[Conanski]

That motor is the same as all the Windsors were up until the modular motors were introduced in the new F250's in '98 or '99. You'll also be surprised to know it is OBD-1 not OBD-2, you can look but you won't find the OBD-2 test port under the dash.

[78bigunns]

Originally Posted by Jermafenser

I recently got a 97 F350 XL 4wd with a 351W & an E40D. I was surprised to find a distributor installed in a 97 still! Thought all engines were with coil packs by that time. My 94 Explorer is.

I want to change plugs, install new spark plug wires, new coil...what exactly does it have? How do I go about tuning this thing up? I suspect it is a hybrid of a sort...I couldn't find the coil. The center wire went to this ballast-looking box way back on the driver's side valve cover. What is this?

I want to know in-depth about this thing. Thanks.

That would be your coil on the valve cover. Funny looking, I'm used to the older round ones.

I think it's called a e-core coil, but that is your coil back there.

You'll need a tiny socket or wrench, I believe it's a 7/32.

I did all mine tuneup including the serpentine belt for $100 give or take. Didn't buy it all at once.

I also just replaced the distributor.

If you need to pull codes, it will probably be on the drivers fender, very close to the firewall. It's not under the dash as you would think. That's where it is on my 96' anyhow.

[Jermafenser]

Originally Posted by Conanski

That motor is the same as all the Windsors were up until the modular motors were introduced in the new F250's in '98 or '99. You'll also be surprised to know it is OBD-1 not OBD-2, you can look but you won't find the OBD-2 test port under the dash.

Cool. It should feel familiar working on it.

I discovered that last night while I wasn't even looking for it under the hood. I found it on the driver's side. It was sticking out in plain sight. As soon as I saw it, I knew what it was [my 94 Explorer has the exact same plug]. I was surprised, but not as surprised after learning about the distributor. Is this 97 still a EEC-IV? This is good, save me some money after buying the same things for the Explorer.

[Jermafenser]

Originally Posted by 78bigunns

That would be your coil on the valve cover. Funny looking, I'm used to the older round ones.

I think it's called a e-core coil, but that is your coil back there.

You'll need a tiny socket or wrench, I believe it's a 7/32.

I did all mine tuneup including the serpentine belt for $100 give or take. Didn't buy it all at once.

I also just replaced the distributor.

Thanks for the clarification. Yes, same here. I'm used to the tube-looking ones. Ordered a replacement part. Thanks for the tips.

BTW -- does anyone know what this powerplant was rated in 1997? Hoping it isn't a mucho dog.