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ignition problems?

Old Jul 10, 2003 | 04:53 PM
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steeldust
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From: ponoka,ab
ignition problems?

hi.i have a 78-f-250 4x4 with a 400 cid. the problem i am having is the engine just up and dies on me. it starts right back up again thanfully(for now).it just dies like if i turned the key off and it does it inconsistently.sometimes idling,accelerating,or cold or hot.the electrical stays on,lights,radio.etc. i'm thinking coil or module. any help would be great.
 
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Old Jul 10, 2003 | 07:16 PM
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From: Central Kali
ignition problems?

Change out the ignition module and maybe the coil. Wouldn't hurt to have a spare.
 
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Old Jul 10, 2003 | 08:13 PM
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ignition problems?

Another possibility is the stator (pick-up coil) inside the distributor. These also have a history of going bad.
 
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Old Jul 10, 2003 | 08:20 PM
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From: ponoka,ab
ignition problems?

hi. thanx. is there a way to check these without a scope? i know to check the coil with a ohmeter but the module and pickup coil i have no idea. thanx .
 
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Old Jul 10, 2003 | 10:34 PM
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ignition problems?

Local autozone will test the module n/c don't know bout the stator.

Dart
 
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Old Jul 11, 2003 | 12:29 AM
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ignition problems?

They won't test the stator..They will test the coil and module.
I had the same problem along with 8 other people in the forum.
It seems that anyone in cal and do to the high heat have encountered a pick up coil aka stator in the distribor could be the problem.
 
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Old Jul 11, 2003 | 10:15 AM
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ignition problems?

The Haynes manual shows how to test the whole ignition system with a multimeter.
 
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Old Jul 11, 2003 | 12:33 PM
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steeldust
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From: ponoka,ab
ignition problems?

hi. thanx for responding. my haynes manual tells me to take it into a shop! lol. i'm assuming there are differnt manuals? could you give me the name of the one that shows how to test with a multimeter? that would be a great great help. thanx.
 
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Old Jul 11, 2003 | 01:41 PM
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ignition problems?

The light blue Ford Pickups & Bronco manual PN 36058.
 
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Old Jul 11, 2003 | 08:40 PM
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From: Central Kali
ignition problems?

The reluctor coil in the distributor moves with the vacuum advance. This causes the wires to flex back and forth. I believe this is what causes it to fail (wire breaks).

You could monitor the output of the pickup with a voltmeter. It puts out a couple of volts when the distributor is spinning.

You could also monitor the coil + with a meter.
 
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