how to identify upgraded ignition system?

0351mike · #1 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009, 06:02 PM

I was hoping to get a little guidence. I have a 70 wagon with a 75 302 in it. I wanted to replace the control modual and voltage reg. I had thought
Ford upgraded the ignition sytem including the distributor between 70-73.
How do I identify if my 70 have the original stuff in it? Does it matter if I replace it with replacement parts from a 75?

gfw1985 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 09:24 AM

70 had points distributor, 1 wire. Duraspark has three wires and the control module. If buying a new control module, just get one for a 76-77 302 w/ blue connector on the module. They're interchangable, but the older module has three wires heading to dash instead of two (red and white).

0351mike · #3 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 10:04 AM

Thanks for the info! When these go bad do they ever intermittenly work or when they go- it's dead?

gfw1985 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 10:28 AM

Usually dead, but I did have one that would idle only if I remember right. That one was a long time ago.

Broncoholic1 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 12:50 PM

Always keep one in the glove box for a spare. They are great till they die.

Some never die...

0351mike · #6 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 03:31 PM

I am trying to figue out why my 70 bronco keeps shutting off on the highway. It will start back up when it cools off- I have a spare control module- so I was going to try that- how about the distributor pick up- would it cut out if it gets hot? How about vacuum in the tank. Both tanks are original 70 non evap-I did put new gas caps on and asked for 70 models from LMC truck- but never really took notice. If these caps were not vented- could it cause the truck to crap out?

Broncoholic1 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-15-2009, 08:13 AM

Might be getting too hot & the fuel is boiling???

How long till it dies?

gfw1985 · #8 (**permalink**) 11-15-2009, 10:25 AM

Building vacuum in the tank is easy to tell. When you loosen gas cap you will hear it sucking air plus lack of fuel in filter if you are using a see thru filter. If you have an ohmeter you can test the pickup coil. Between orange and purple you should read 400-800 ohms. Between black and orange or purple you should read over 70k ohms.