Duraspark module problems
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,573
Likes: 207
From: Washington
Also wondering if an Accel super-stock 8140C coil will work with the duraspark system and not cause the problems the TFI coil apparently does. Just wondering because I have a brand new one sitting around from another project and the part stores list this coil as compatible with a '77 F150 with the 300 so I semi-thought it might be ok. Thanks.
This coil has a 1.4 ohm primary resistance. You want the ballast resistor to be close to the coils 1.4 primary resistance... so yes the 1.5 ballast resistor will work fine..
"Borg Warner made BWD part, part number RU12 with a resistance of 1.5 ohms. Do you think this will work or does it absolutely have to be between those specs. Thanks."
Jim
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,362
Likes: 22
From: Florence, SC
If you are going to run the Duraspark II ignition, do it right and get the correct components. Do not use the TFI coil! Get the correct canister coil and do get a good quality ignition module. Use MOTORCRAFT parts for reliability. The cheap aftermarket modules are notorious for early failures. You will gain NOTHING by using a GM H.E.I. module. With the correct parts, the Duraspark ignition is a very reliable ignition system that will give you extremely quick starts and good performance.
I. Duraspark II and TFI ignition systems
From 1980 - 1983, almost all F150s used a conventional carburetor and the stand-alone "Duraspark" ignition system. From 1984 - 1986, almost all of these vehicles used an engine computer, "feedback" carburetor, and switched to the TFI-IV ignition. So Ford used the same plug-in connectors for each ignition system. In this way, if your truck happened to have the 351 H.O. or 460 from 1984 - 1986 for example (these did not use an engine computer) Ford just plugged in the Duraspark II harness. If you had a 300, 302, or 351 engine from 1984 - 1986, Ford plugged in the TFI/EEC-IV wire harness that ran off the engine computer.
II. Resistor wire:
The resistor wire is part of the wire harness on ALL 1980 - 1986 models with gas engines. This means you don't have to wire one in because your truck already has it. It is simply bypassed and unused on vehicles that are computer controlled with the TFI ignition. The ballast resistor wire is activated when the Duraspark wire harness is plugged in. JimsRebel posted a picture of it in post #15. It will be a thick red or pink wire.
III. Wire harness:
All you need to do to make the conversion is to get a Duraspark II wire harness from a truck that came with one. (See Section I.) The stock harness connects the Duraspark distributor and coil directly to the existing plugs in your truck that currently has the TFI wire harness plugged in. It is a one-piece harness that will also include the oil and water temperature sending units, and some models had an extra tachometer connection.
By using the factory harness, it is as simple as plugging it in! There will be NO wire cutting, splices, ballast resistors to wire in, or extra wires hanging around that you don't need.
IV. Starter relay:
The 1980 - 1986 models did not use the "I" terminal on the starter relay like the older trucks did. That circuit was relocated in the ignition switch, which bypasses the resistor wire in the 'START' position. You don't need to do anything different to the starter relay from what you already have. There should only be one connection to the "S" terminal. It will be a red wire. Nothing will be connected to the "I" terminal.
V. Additional reading:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...wontt-run.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...on-how-to.html
Good luck!
I. Duraspark II and TFI ignition systems
From 1980 - 1983, almost all F150s used a conventional carburetor and the stand-alone "Duraspark" ignition system. From 1984 - 1986, almost all of these vehicles used an engine computer, "feedback" carburetor, and switched to the TFI-IV ignition. So Ford used the same plug-in connectors for each ignition system. In this way, if your truck happened to have the 351 H.O. or 460 from 1984 - 1986 for example (these did not use an engine computer) Ford just plugged in the Duraspark II harness. If you had a 300, 302, or 351 engine from 1984 - 1986, Ford plugged in the TFI/EEC-IV wire harness that ran off the engine computer.
II. Resistor wire:
The resistor wire is part of the wire harness on ALL 1980 - 1986 models with gas engines. This means you don't have to wire one in because your truck already has it. It is simply bypassed and unused on vehicles that are computer controlled with the TFI ignition. The ballast resistor wire is activated when the Duraspark wire harness is plugged in. JimsRebel posted a picture of it in post #15. It will be a thick red or pink wire.
III. Wire harness:
All you need to do to make the conversion is to get a Duraspark II wire harness from a truck that came with one. (See Section I.) The stock harness connects the Duraspark distributor and coil directly to the existing plugs in your truck that currently has the TFI wire harness plugged in. It is a one-piece harness that will also include the oil and water temperature sending units, and some models had an extra tachometer connection.
By using the factory harness, it is as simple as plugging it in! There will be NO wire cutting, splices, ballast resistors to wire in, or extra wires hanging around that you don't need.
IV. Starter relay:
The 1980 - 1986 models did not use the "I" terminal on the starter relay like the older trucks did. That circuit was relocated in the ignition switch, which bypasses the resistor wire in the 'START' position. You don't need to do anything different to the starter relay from what you already have. There should only be one connection to the "S" terminal. It will be a red wire. Nothing will be connected to the "I" terminal.
V. Additional reading:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...wontt-run.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...on-how-to.html
Good luck!
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Pueblo
Jesus, I can't believe I never had the courtesy to come back to this thread and let you guys know your assistance was appreciated and that I had in fact been able to get the setup working. I came across this thread while looking at something else and then realized I just left it hanging.
Even though it's been five years, thanks, been running great ever since up until now. Engine finally took a dirt nap and is in the process of being rebuilt as well as upgrade to Offy intake, EFI manifolds,etc. Anyhow, didn't want anybody thinking I was a douche all this time. Sorry about that. Belated thanks to all who had assisted on this or I'd have probably been running in circles for a while.
Even though it's been five years, thanks, been running great ever since up until now. Engine finally took a dirt nap and is in the process of being rebuilt as well as upgrade to Offy intake, EFI manifolds,etc. Anyhow, didn't want anybody thinking I was a douche all this time. Sorry about that. Belated thanks to all who had assisted on this or I'd have probably been running in circles for a while.
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