Notices
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

Duraspark replacement - Any good luck?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 11, 2011 | 11:14 AM
  #1  
Skoiv's Avatar
Skoiv
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 481
Likes: 3
From: Tualatin, OR
Duraspark replacement - Any good luck?

I just got done rewiring my truck back to the stock set up. The POS had piggy backed an MSD ignition in and I was having all sorts of electrical issues causing her to die. After reworking, I noticed several bad connections and after going back to stock it runs perfect!!! I'm very happy because I have been fighting this for a while now. My question is if anyone has actually had GOOD luck with the aftermarket premium ignition box from Echlin (Napa)? I did check my original Duraspark and it works but I chose to wrap it up and put in the cab for a spare and I'm running the new Echlin box with a new coil. Have any of you seen good long term use from an aftermarket Echlin box? I would hope so but I read all the time about the Chinese parts failing soon. I know I can easily swap it out if I have a problem but just wanted to see if anyone has had good results and put a little worry out of my mind. Thanks!
 
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2011 | 12:04 PM
  #2  
LARIAT 85's Avatar
LARIAT 85
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,362
Likes: 22
From: Florence, SC
I think you should be fine. The NAPA/Echlin ignition module is one of the better aftermarket ignition modules available. The real bad ones are the cheap, $25 Chinese jobs from AutoZone, Advance Auto, etc. Some of those don't even have the start/retard circuit built in. NAPA and CarQuest usually has better replacement parts, and is what I personally use when the Motorcarft parts are not available.

It's a good idea to keep the original ignition module as a spare. I am glad you got everything figured out and squared away!
 
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2011 | 12:22 PM
  #3  
Skoiv's Avatar
Skoiv
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 481
Likes: 3
From: Tualatin, OR
Thanks Lariat! Me too. It has been frustrating to say the least. Your info makes me feel a lot better about the Echlin premium ignition....
 
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2011 | 02:56 PM
  #4  
Rogue_Wulff's Avatar
Rogue_Wulff
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 16
From: Lost
I'll backup what L85 said about the NAPA/Echlin module. Their "Premium" version is a very close 2nd to a genuine Motorcraft for reliability.
Also agree that keeping a known good, but old module in the cab is a good idea. If the truck ever starts having ignition related issues, it doesn't take but a few seconds to swap plugs to the spare module, for testing purposes. The Module does not even need to bolted down or grounded, as proven by the fact that it bolts to a plastic inner fender......
 
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2011 | 03:02 PM
  #5  
Skoiv's Avatar
Skoiv
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 481
Likes: 3
From: Tualatin, OR
Yep Rogue.... very true. I just plugged in the old box to test it laying on the fender well and it ran fine. I could actually mount the second one up and have it all ready to go if needed! Two boxes just like Nascar. Haha.
 
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2011 | 03:11 PM
  #6  
Rogue_Wulff's Avatar
Rogue_Wulff
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 16
From: Lost
You wouldn't be the first (nor last) to mount a spare DS2 box under the hood.
I tend to keep a few "zipties" in the truck, so if I ever have to switch to the backup box, I'll just ziptie to it something. Keeps it looking a bit neater under there until the box is actually needed.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Sw1tchfoot
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
27
Dec 11, 2012 09:21 PM
73FordF100
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
25
Jun 12, 2011 11:51 AM
Holiver31
335 Series- 5.8/351M, 6.6/400, 351 Cleveland
2
Mar 9, 2011 07:10 AM
sigtauenus
Electrical Systems/Wiring
5
Apr 20, 2007 06:59 PM
farmnaggie
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
9
Mar 7, 2006 08:44 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:34 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-6
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-8
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE