Considering switching back to points
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 842
Likes: 1
From: Georgia
Considering switching back to points
Well guys I'm sick of this Dura(never)Spark I ignition, it has given me so many problems recently. From what I've read, you can convert a points distributor to an electronic ignition distributor on an FE engine. I'm considering going back to points for now. The PO swapped in this crap from a '75 (green grommet) and I hate it.
First of all, how can I tell if my distributor was originally a points distributor? I know for a fact my truck had points originally because it is a '73. I want to make sure that the PO did not swap in a DSI distributor instead of just swapping the guts of a DSI ignition in the stock distributor. Also, what parts do I need to go back to points ignition besides points and a condenser?
I was also considering going with this HEI unit and be done with it:
FORD FE 352-390-427 HEI DISTRIBUTOR | eBay
I've read great things about these, I'm just not sure if this is a crappy chinese one or a good one. Have any of y'all used this specific distributor/ignition? This one is not a D.U.I. HEI distributor, just a regular HEI one. Any help or opinions would be greatly appreciated!
First of all, how can I tell if my distributor was originally a points distributor? I know for a fact my truck had points originally because it is a '73. I want to make sure that the PO did not swap in a DSI distributor instead of just swapping the guts of a DSI ignition in the stock distributor. Also, what parts do I need to go back to points ignition besides points and a condenser?
I was also considering going with this HEI unit and be done with it:
FORD FE 352-390-427 HEI DISTRIBUTOR | eBay
I've read great things about these, I'm just not sure if this is a crappy chinese one or a good one. Have any of y'all used this specific distributor/ignition? This one is not a D.U.I. HEI distributor, just a regular HEI one. Any help or opinions would be greatly appreciated!
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
'75 (green grommet) is a one year only module, the replacement modules have deleted the 7th (blue) wire which can cause issues, i'd suggest retrofitting it with a '76-'79 (blue grommet) DSII module, points are just too much of a PITA.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
I know this is NOT the information you came for, but what problems have you been having with the Duraspark setup? Duraspark is often retrofitted into points setups for a reason - it's very reliable, robust, and easy to work on. However, there are a couple items that often get overlooked that can leave you scratching your head - when in fact it's not really a big deal. I only bring this up, because (1) it might be easier to troubleshoot what you've got and (2) you'll ultimately end up with a better system.
I don't believe you can swap Duraspark guts into a points distributor to get Duraspark - so if you're running Duraspark at all, you've most likely got a Duraspark distributor. Someone will have to correct me if I'm wrong.
I don't think it makes sense to go from Duraspark to an HEI setup. Duraspark and HEI use the exact same technology. HEI simply gets a "better" reputation because the coil is on the cap and there's technically less wiring in between. They operate on the exact same principles.
EDIT: I didn't see you had a '75 Duraspark setup - as MH alluded, it's difficult to find the correct module for that particular year, so I'd consider moving forward a year.
I don't believe you can swap Duraspark guts into a points distributor to get Duraspark - so if you're running Duraspark at all, you've most likely got a Duraspark distributor. Someone will have to correct me if I'm wrong.
I don't think it makes sense to go from Duraspark to an HEI setup. Duraspark and HEI use the exact same technology. HEI simply gets a "better" reputation because the coil is on the cap and there's technically less wiring in between. They operate on the exact same principles.
EDIT: I didn't see you had a '75 Duraspark setup - as MH alluded, it's difficult to find the correct module for that particular year, so I'd consider moving forward a year.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
While I am a fan of this option (if you have points to start out with), I don't think it's a good alternative if you already have Duraspark. The reason is that if your ignition module fails and you're stranded, you can walk to the nearest parts store and they'll most likely have what you need. Not the case for an aftermarket kit like Pertronix, which typically has to come out of the catalog.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
All it is is the distributor (with the pickup coil), the primary coil, the box, and the wiring harness.
As Jeff(? FMC400) explained, parts are readily available.
I don't recommend going backwards in technology, either.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 3
i am all for the hei simple 1 wire hookup,faster advance curve,all the factory old wireing,brain box gone,neater engine bay,and almost every hick town auto parts store will have parts for an hei dist i run them on all my trucks [460,400,302] and they have never let me down so far in the 5 or 6 years i have had them points? thats a dinosour thats seen its time faded into history books just my 2 cents
Trending Topics
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 657
From: Sioux Falls Area
I'd consider the pertronix ignitor2. They make a module for the DS distributor and take about 5 minutes to install. The ignitor2 will shut itself off if you leave the key on, to prevent burn out (the major problem the the original ignitor), is epoxy filled and considered suitable for marine use. You also get to use the hotest coils out there without worry of frying the module. The difference from points is night and day ... couldn't belive the animal my boat became after the swap.
Based on what i can find, the spark technology is about the same as the DSII (variable dwell), but you would not get the spark retard while cranking.
like FMC said, you can always get replacement parts for the DSII at any parts house, so if that is a concern, you'd have to weigh that in.
An HEI conversion has some merit too, i think. should be able to get replacement parts at the parts house easy enough, and the price for a sumit branded unit is pretty reasonable, but still about twice the cost of the Ignitor2.
Based on what i can find, the spark technology is about the same as the DSII (variable dwell), but you would not get the spark retard while cranking.
like FMC said, you can always get replacement parts for the DSII at any parts house, so if that is a concern, you'd have to weigh that in.
An HEI conversion has some merit too, i think. should be able to get replacement parts at the parts house easy enough, and the price for a sumit branded unit is pretty reasonable, but still about twice the cost of the Ignitor2.
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Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
Going by the fact that the HEI unit you referred to unbranded, I would say it is a chinese unit. Even the Pro-Comp, while based in Australia is chinese made. Problems that have appeared with these, is the shaft has been known to break and grenade your engine. I agree with the others, upgrade to DSII and only use Motorcraft ignition modules. Continue using this these parts and we will wind up learning to speak Chinese. Good luck with whatever you choose.
Old School Hot Rodder
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,472
Likes: 11
From: Exmore, VA
If you already have a DSI distributor, going to DSII is simple, most of what is required is on the secondary side, cap adapter, cap, rotor and 8mm wires. If you go to the HEI, you are still going to need the wires.
Primary side, DSII module, coil and maybe the coil connector. A lot of that can probably be found in a junkyard. I used to run a carburetor and ignition shop, I wish I had a nickel for every broken down GM product that had either module failure or burned through rotor issues. I would never put an HEI in my Ford.
Primary side, DSII module, coil and maybe the coil connector. A lot of that can probably be found in a junkyard. I used to run a carburetor and ignition shop, I wish I had a nickel for every broken down GM product that had either module failure or burned through rotor issues. I would never put an HEI in my Ford.
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 842
Likes: 1
From: Georgia
I know this is NOT the information you came for, but what problems have you been having with the Duraspark setup? Duraspark is often retrofitted into points setups for a reason - it's very reliable, robust, and easy to work on. However, there are a couple items that often get overlooked that can leave you scratching your head - when in fact it's not really a big deal. I only bring this up, because (1) it might be easier to troubleshoot what you've got and (2) you'll ultimately end up with a better system.
I don't believe you can swap Duraspark guts into a points distributor to get Duraspark - so if you're running Duraspark at all, you've most likely got a Duraspark distributor. Someone will have to correct me if I'm wrong.
I don't think it makes sense to go from Duraspark to an HEI setup. Duraspark and HEI use the exact same technology. HEI simply gets a "better" reputation because the coil is on the cap and there's technically less wiring in between. They operate on the exact same principles.
EDIT: I didn't see you had a '75 Duraspark setup - as MH alluded, it's difficult to find the correct module for that particular year, so I'd consider moving forward a year.
I don't believe you can swap Duraspark guts into a points distributor to get Duraspark - so if you're running Duraspark at all, you've most likely got a Duraspark distributor. Someone will have to correct me if I'm wrong.
I don't think it makes sense to go from Duraspark to an HEI setup. Duraspark and HEI use the exact same technology. HEI simply gets a "better" reputation because the coil is on the cap and there's technically less wiring in between. They operate on the exact same principles.
EDIT: I didn't see you had a '75 Duraspark setup - as MH alluded, it's difficult to find the correct module for that particular year, so I'd consider moving forward a year.
Well my truck has been very hard to start recently if I stop somewhere after driving it say 15-30+ miles. I've been stranded twice at the gas station because it just wasn't getting spark at all. After running my battery down because of this, I've had to be jumped off and shortly after hooking up the booster cables, it finally started. The other day I ran my truck out of gas and spent at least 30 minutes trying to get it started again even with more gas and jumping it off.
It used to be when my truck was good and warmed up, one turn of the key and it would fire right up, but not anymore. I've replaced the ignition module, magnetic pickup and coil. They could be causing the problem, not sure.
The only reason I was considering the HEI ignition was because this seems like a cheap alternative with less wiring. But after asking the seller where it was manufactured, they said "probably taiwan". I'm not very interested in something that is foreign made. They claim they haven't had any issues with them from the buyers, so I don't know.
i am all for the hei simple 1 wire hookup,faster advance curve,all the factory old wireing,brain box gone,neater engine bay,and almost every hick town auto parts store will have parts for an hei dist i run them on all my trucks [460,400,302] and they have never let me down so far in the 5 or 6 years i have had them points? thats a dinosour thats seen its time faded into history books just my 2 cents
I'd consider the pertronix ignitor2. They make a module for the DS distributor and take about 5 minutes to install. The ignitor2 will shut itself off if you leave the key on, to prevent burn out (the major problem the the original ignitor), is epoxy filled and considered suitable for marine use. You also get to use the hotest coils out there without worry of frying the module. The difference from points is night and day ... couldn't belive the animal my boat became after the swap.
Based on what i can find, the spark technology is about the same as the DSII (variable dwell), but you would not get the spark retard while cranking.
like FMC said, you can always get replacement parts for the DSII at any parts house, so if that is a concern, you'd have to weigh that in.
An HEI conversion has some merit too, i think. should be able to get replacement parts at the parts house easy enough, and the price for a sumit branded unit is pretty reasonable, but still about twice the cost of the Ignitor2.
Based on what i can find, the spark technology is about the same as the DSII (variable dwell), but you would not get the spark retard while cranking.
like FMC said, you can always get replacement parts for the DSII at any parts house, so if that is a concern, you'd have to weigh that in.
An HEI conversion has some merit too, i think. should be able to get replacement parts at the parts house easy enough, and the price for a sumit branded unit is pretty reasonable, but still about twice the cost of the Ignitor2.
Going by the fact that the HEI unit you referred to unbranded, I would say it is a chinese unit. Even the Pro-Comp, while based in Australia is chinese made. Problems that have appeared with these, is the shaft has been known to break and grenade your engine. I agree with the others, upgrade to DSII and only use Motorcraft ignition modules. Continue using this these parts and we will wind up learning to speak Chinese. Good luck with whatever you choose.
If you already have a DSI distributor, going to DSII is simple, most of what is required is on the secondary side, cap adapter, cap, rotor and 8mm wires. If you go to the HEI, you are still going to need the wires.
Primary side, DSII module, coil and maybe the coil connector. A lot of that can probably be found in a junkyard. I used to run a carburetor and ignition shop, I wish I had a nickel for every broken down GM product that had either module failure or burned through rotor issues. I would never put an HEI in my Ford.
Primary side, DSII module, coil and maybe the coil connector. A lot of that can probably be found in a junkyard. I used to run a carburetor and ignition shop, I wish I had a nickel for every broken down GM product that had either module failure or burned through rotor issues. I would never put an HEI in my Ford.
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 842
Likes: 1
From: Georgia
Actually, it (DuraSpark II) was used through 1983 on the F150, and '87 or '88 on the F250 & 350.
All it is is the distributor (with the pickup coil), the primary coil, the box, and the wiring harness.
As Jeff(? FMC400) explained, parts are readily available.
I don't recommend going backwards in technology, either.
All it is is the distributor (with the pickup coil), the primary coil, the box, and the wiring harness.
As Jeff(? FMC400) explained, parts are readily available.
I don't recommend going backwards in technology, either.
Old School Hot Rodder
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,472
Likes: 11
From: Exmore, VA
See my previous post as far as secondary parts. DSII was used on all except EEC systems through the 87 model year. CFI engines (rare) and some early FBC systems could have come with what is called DSIII where the distributor is fixed and a crank trigger is used. All of them I have ever seen were in cars, Lincoln Versailles, 82 Lincoln MkII that type.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I'm aware of 3 threads in the 6-banger forum about DSII swaps from a feedback carburetor/TFI ignition, might read through them to see if they help:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...on-how-to.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...-86-i-6-a.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...g-harness.html
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 685
Likes: 0
From: Cape Coral, Florida
Well guys I'm sick of this Dura(never)Spark I ignition, it has given me so many problems recently. From what I've read, you can convert a points distributor to an electronic ignition distributor on an FE engine. I'm considering going back to points for now. The PO swapped in this crap from a '75 (green grommet) and I hate it.
First of all, how can I tell if my distributor was originally a points distributor? I know for a fact my truck had points originally because it is a '73. I want to make sure that the PO did not swap in a DSI distributor instead of just swapping the guts of a DSI ignition in the stock distributor. Also, what parts do I need to go back to points ignition besides points and a condenser?
I was also considering going with this HEI unit and be done with it:
FORD FE 352-390-427 HEI DISTRIBUTOR | eBay
I've read great things about these, I'm just not sure if this is a crappy chinese one or a good one. Have any of y'all used this specific distributor/ignition? This one is not a D.U.I. HEI distributor, just a regular HEI one. Any help or opinions would be greatly appreciated!
First of all, how can I tell if my distributor was originally a points distributor? I know for a fact my truck had points originally because it is a '73. I want to make sure that the PO did not swap in a DSI distributor instead of just swapping the guts of a DSI ignition in the stock distributor. Also, what parts do I need to go back to points ignition besides points and a condenser?
I was also considering going with this HEI unit and be done with it:
FORD FE 352-390-427 HEI DISTRIBUTOR | eBay
I've read great things about these, I'm just not sure if this is a crappy chinese one or a good one. Have any of y'all used this specific distributor/ignition? This one is not a D.U.I. HEI distributor, just a regular HEI one. Any help or opinions would be greatly appreciated!
Stinky
