Duraspark II Conversion - How To

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Dec 27, 2014 | 01:36 PM

#166

jack orchard

Tuned

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 367

Likes: 2

From: summerfield florida

Make a New DSII Harness

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Lewis

How are you going to have an easily-repairable ignition using Weatherpaks when all the ignitions you'll buy have the Ford connectors?

The main point of using Weatherpak Connectors or new aftermarket Ford connectors is to insure reliable, dependable connections. I think Weatherpak Connectors produce a neater, more professional looking job than the Ford connectors. 30+ year old connectors and associated wiring are way past the point in time that they can be relied upon. New wiring and connectors is best (in my opinion).

Replacement Ford type connectors can be purchased from many auto supply places, as well as Rock Auto (my favorite). Good luck,....jack

Dec 27, 2014 | 02:54 PM

#167

Gary Lewis

FTE Legend

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 32,875

Likes: 48

From: Northeast, OK

I agree that the Weatherpaks are better, but I don't want to have to graft them on in the middle of nowhere if the ignition box dies.

Dec 27, 2014 | 03:25 PM

#168

ruglyot

New User

Joined: Oct 2014

Posts: 7

Likes: 0

From: Richfield, UT

Cut and splice!

Yes, the Weatherpak idea is not for everyone - but my 20 years in GM parts and custom motorcycle wiring has me a bit biased. This is my first Ford, but I've always noticed over the years how easy it was (for me) to always break the lock tabs on Ford electrical connectors or how it always took three screwdrivers to release the darn things! So, that's the reason I'm using these on mine - but someone else making their own harness should still keep in mind the value of a good electrical connection. It's one thing to connect the two points correctly, but if both terminals aren't crimped and/or soldered firmly and properly, you may spend more time diagnosing than it's worth as opposed to finding and buying a correct harness.
I'm really not trying to talk anyone out of making their own harness - because it really is within anyone's ability - but I wanted to offer some points of view to use in your own design process (and yes, I may have a little OCD!

) Russ

Dec 27, 2014 | 06:32 PM

#169

6978sghfbjklgdfsjhkl

Elder User

Joined: Feb 2012

Posts: 709

Likes: 2

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Lewis

I agree that the Weatherpaks are better, but I don't want to have to graft them on in the middle of nowhere if the ignition box dies.

I'm in the process of converting my duraspark installs to weatherpak connectors..along with any new "spare" I will have on a road trip, that way..it will still be "plug'n play"...

Dec 27, 2014 | 06:56 PM

#170

Gary Lewis

FTE Legend

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 32,875

Likes: 48

From: Northeast, OK

That'll work. Or, carry a Weatherpak/Ford conversion cable so you can buy a new module and plug it in.

Dec 28, 2014 | 09:31 PM

#171

JimsRebel

Cargo Master

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 2,589

Likes: 212

From: Washington

Info on how to use the DS2 harness you currently have is here...

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...-150-woes.html

You will just cut the coil positive wire near the gray square plug and splice it to your current harness. The rest will just plug in.

Jim

Dec 29, 2014 | 07:22 AM

#172

AbandonedBronco

Moderator

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 7,987

Likes: 104

From: Boise, Idaho

FWIW, I believe the wiring harness that I used on my '84 conversion was out of a '77 or a '78 with a 300 I6. No cutting or splicing. Just 100% plug-and-play by matching the plug shapes. I think the troubles start to come when you get one from a V8.

Dec 29, 2014 | 08:17 AM

#173

adperk94

New User

Joined: Dec 2014

Posts: 10

Likes: 0

From: Urbana, OH

Jim,
I read through the thread that you linked above, am I understanding correctly that I can separate the wiring for the coil, module and dist. out of the '78 harness and combine that with the water temp. and oil psi portions of my '85 harness?