have been surfing the whole web trying to get some help... got a 292 with heavey duty sporatic spark....
no power when it does it, and it does it all the time
brand new heads with hardened seats, with 500 miles on them
re adjusted all the valves, problem still there
replace distributor cap, rotor, points, condenser, coil
bypassed the resistor and switch, still there
tore the distributor completely apart, thinking bad bushing, ruined it, and my other 2 distributors won't fit, (different year y blocks i guess)
tested jump timing by companion cylinder, timing perfect
unknown miles on this motor and year for that matter
when i had the head job done though the cylinders were gorgeous
no ring groove or nothing
checked compression all cylinders running 110+, most at 120
have any ideas...... please help

 

Now, I've been told that I'm "special" ;-), and it might just be me, but I just don't quite understand your symptoms or your question... Maybe explain it a little more slowly for me...?
We've got the best Ford guys on the web grouped here, just ask away, provide plenty of info and we'll see what we can do! :-)

-Andrew
f250_64(No Email Addresses In Posts!), same for yahoo messenger

Nothing, and I mean nothing, stirs the soul, saying I'm a bad **** like lettin'em rip with a window shaking, fuel gulpin, carbon monoxide belchin, attention gettin, V-oh my LORD!-8!

 

How does it start. Does it do it hot or cold. What are your valves set at. etc. I had problems with my 312, once I new how to ask I got more than enough info. By the way the distributor for my 292 was all vacuum advance and the 312 was centrifugally advanced with vacuum assist. The springs in the 292 distributor were shot causing rough running.

 

Ok, didn't realize i wuz going too fast... i can do this..
very erractic spark.
Place timing lite on any spark plug wire and will fire regular then miss several times.
Place on coil wire, runs good then big time miss.
can be heard thru exhaust.
Does it approximately 30 seconds after start and never leaves.
"0" power.
This came on very suddendly, it is a daily driver.
Compression is a solid 110 +, mostly 120.
Replaced rotor, points,condenser,cap, coil.
Newer spark plug wires that do not leak, did leak check.
Had valve job done 500 miles ago, so thought mayb i gapped wrong, or did it when engine wuz too cold, regap proved only one wuz out of adjustment, rest were well within limits.
Thought mayb jumped time, checked by companion cylinder check, and timing is right on the money.
Next thought mayb resistor or switch went bad, but hot wired everything and problem stayed the same.
Originally thought is wuz water in the fuel, being that temps around here have been below "0" nitely and tank it in cab, or the fuel pump, but fuel is good, and i have even residual pressure when engine is not running.
I know it is sumthing very very simple, but do u think i can find it, i'm gonna slap myself silly when i figure it out.
So today, I went out and got stupid and bought a rebuilt distributor, will install sometime this week.
I got all the time in the world fellars, so go ahead make your heads hurt with replies, and I will exchange as so.....
pure shade tree "wytfut"

 

Wow, this is a real stumper! Seems like you've replaced just about every component that could cause sporadic spark, except the wires and you said you checked those. One more thing that you could check on is the breaker point spring tension. If the spring tension is too weak, the arm on the points will sometimes "Flutter", causing a miss. You don't want tension too tight either, or your breaker arm rubbing block will wear prematurely, causing the points gap to close up and retard your spark timing. the sugguested tension on the spring is 17-20 oz. The other thing that comes to mind is a brand new part that you have put in may be defective. Please let us know the outcome.
Kenny

 

i will, am waiting on a sore hip to get better, so that i can split sum wood to heat the shop, hopefully tomorrow nite

 

bought the rebuilt at a local parts house for a bargain... 46 bucks plus core... put it in tonite.. and she's purring like a kitten(headers and smitties sound so sweet) so... the moral of the story could b;
#1. bushing at top of shaft shot
#2. insulation break down on coil lead
#3. i'm an idiot
#4. possible spring tension on points
#5. another fun evening working on fords<<best answer

thanx everyone.... uh, since i have found this sight, i really enjoy the conversations.... been in the chat room for a couple of years but never here at the forums, i will not be leaving

wish the flattie stuff was a little bit more

gonna look for inline stuff here

thanx fellas

 

Do you have the manufacturer and part # for the part you bought? I keep a list of every thing I buy for my 292 and 312. Eventually it should be extensive enough to help people looking for parts.

 

Gotta drop my 2 cents worth in here... I just replaced my distributor to coil wire because it was old, brittle and didn't look so good...
It also could cause erratic operation as well.

Now I can go back to sleep
LongJohn

 

good deal she,s fixed, did you remember to install a new engine ground wire? helps with flow, consistante voltage.