Ok, some of you will probably think that this is a stupid question, but, I have to ask to make sure. I have a 1975 F100 with a 460. I want to change over to electronic ignition. My buddy told me to look in the distributor to see if it has points and condensor. If it does, it does not have electronic ignition. Well, the distributor does have points and condensor. Should I be positive that I do not have an electronic ignitions.

Be nice!

Thanks,

Lad

 

Welcome to FTE

DuraSpark electronic ignition introduced in 1974, but not all vehicles came with it until 1976.

If the dizzy has points, it does not have electronic ignition.

D4PZ-12A112-A .. Stator aka Magnetic Pickup Coil (Motorcraft DU-1A) takes the place of the points & condensor in all 1974/79 V8 FoMoCo vehicles with DuraSpark.

The ignition module mounts on the left (drivers) side inner fender apron. 1974 module is 1974 only, 1975 module is 1975 only.

Three possible modules were used 1976/79. One is CA only, was a POS from day one!

 

As ND says above, if you have points, then you do not have electronic ignition. No such thing as a stupid question!

 

Lad, I have a 75 engine in my 66 truck, and when the previous owner installed the engine, he left the old points and distributor system in there. So, I was in exactly the same situation as you, and have since upgraded to the electronic ingnition (EI). There's a few important things you need to be aware of on this swap, or believe me you will end up frustrated. As ND points out, Ford began to introduce EI in 1974 and phased it on over the next couple of years. The 1975 system was unique to that year. The way you can tell the 1975 EI module that it has 7 wires coming of it instead of the 6 wires on the post-75 units. 4 of the wires will plug into the harness that comes off your new EI distributor. 3 of these (I think they are purple, black and orange) will mate with the same colour ones going to your distributor and the fourth (green) one will mate with the green wire going to your coil. Where it gets interesting is one the other 3 wires. On the '75, these are red, white and blue. The blue one was only used in 75. Since you do not have the EI system now, you won't have the harness that these plug into, so you will have to splice them into your system. It's not complicated. I have the diagrams at home that I used to do this, and I can check my set-up for you, and confirm later. If I recall correctly, the red wire is connected to the ignition switch, on the same pole that the pink resistor wire connects to ("S" pole I believe), and the white wire splices into Brown wire that comes off your starter solenoid. But like I said, let me check that for sure and get back to you. The blue wire needs to be spliced to the green wire that comes off your voltage regulator. Now, the hard part is actually finding the 7-wire 1975 EI module. They were only used that one year and unless you are lucky enough to find one in a scrap yard, they're not easy to get, especially the Motorcraft brand, which is by far the most rleiable. The labelling on the post-1975 modules will tell you they are "interchangeable" with the 75, meaning you can just hook it up like the 75 and forget the blue wire, but this will not work. But don't despair, after much frustration and experimenting I have figured out how to get the post-75 modules to work on the 75 system. It involves running one of the wires (I forget now if it's the red or white) to the voltage regulator where the blue wire goes from the 1975 module, and the other to the ignition system. Again, I will double check and conform the details. Sorry to have left such a long message, but as you can see it's a complicated issue and I didn't want to see you needlessly spending time and effort and money. I will get back to you this evenign or tomorrow morning.

 

So Lad, are you leaning any particular way on this conversion? Still intending to do it? If so, are you going to try to get the 1975 module (the 7-wire one)? By the way, I haven't used it, but a lot of guys also swear by the Petronix unit. They say it's a quck and easy install that eliminates your points but let's you keep your distributor. As I say, I haven't done it, but I'm sure someone on here who has could give you some advice.

 

First, thank you for all that have responded to my question. This forum has been very helpful. Just last night I replaced my front coil springs. The procedure was just as described as researched on this forum. Yes, I am going to switch to an electronic ignition. I will have to check my truck for the best option...the responses have been great..thanks again.

Lad

 

Hi Lad,

Now that Old Coyote has mentioned the Ignitor by Pertronix, I for one can vouch for it.

It took 15 minutes to install, allowing for a smoke and coffee break (LOL), and there's only 2 wires. Earth and ignition live.

It comes with full instructions.

To be honest, points work fine on a stock engine, but I liked the idea of 'walk away and leave it'. I.E. one doesn't have to set an ignitor periodically as one has to with points.

Laterz

 

On second thoughts, give consideration to a new distributor in place of an ignitor.

I got rid of my motorcraft dizzy and ignitor after several failed attempts at setting a decent ignition timing curve.

Springs selection is limited and are a ball ache to get to. Mind you, you only change 'em once.

 

Thanks for everyone's help. I purchased the correct electronic ignition conversion. It is the type that fits inside the original distributer. Old Coyote's helpful comments are interesting. I printed out this tread with everyone's comments and I have spend some time under the hood of my truck to figure it all out. Well, I cannot find the electronic module. I understand that it is located on the engine bay on the driver side or maybe on the firewall. I looked up a picture of an EI module on one of my parts book..still cannot find it. I did find the wires and connectors that go into the module. These are two, maybe three plugs..round.These wires are coming outide the firewall. My question..is it possible that the previous owner bypassed the EI module. Remember, my truck is a 1975 model..460.

Thanks for your help

lad in ms

 

Sounds like the previous owner just removed the ignition module. You say you have the unit that goes inside the distributor. What's the brand name on it? If it is Petronix or some version of it, then you won't need the ignition module.

 

Old Coyote.. Thank you for your help. If the module is removed, does it mean that I can hook up the Petronix conversion per the instructions?


Lad

 

The short answer is yes. But, as I mentioned earlier, I have not actually installed a Petronix unit. I upgraded my old points system to the Electonic Ignition module and matching distributor. So, if you run into trouble or have questions installing it, you'd best get advice from someone who has done it. Good luck.