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Low Spark on a 351M

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Old Aug 4, 2014 | 04:26 PM
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wlittle
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Low Spark on a 351M

Just wondering where to go from here. Truck is hard to start, but can get it started but am getting a orange spark. I have replaced the starter, all cables, solenoid, spark plugs, wires, and coil. Would it be the ignition module? It is a 351m, auto, 2wd, stock F-150.
 
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Old Aug 4, 2014 | 08:45 PM
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From: Isla de Muerta
Here's a similar thread from yesterday...


460 losing spark
 
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Old Aug 4, 2014 | 09:54 PM
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Originally Posted by blackjack33
Here's a similar thread from yesterday...

460 losing spark
Not seeing the connection there...

Measure the voltage across the battery posts. Next, turn the key to RUN and measure the voltage at the positive terminal of the coil (BATT) with respect to ground. The second measurement should be approximately half that of the first.

To be clear, you are to report TWO (2) voltage measurements. You're looking to make sure voltage is not dropping across the power transistor in the ignition module (low primary current).
 
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Old Aug 4, 2014 | 10:54 PM
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From: Wildwood, Mo
Originally Posted by wlittle
Just wondering where to go from here. Truck is hard to start, but can get it started but am getting a orange spark. I have replaced the starter, all cables, solenoid, spark plugs, wires, and coil. Would it be the ignition module? It is a 351m, auto, 2wd, stock F-150.
Well, there is still your ignition module and the small coil pick up gizmo in the distributor. When the pick up in the dist. was causing me no starts, I ended up busting the distributor while removing it. 1979 Bronco. A rebuilt distributor fixed it but I had a bad time getting the new one in as the shaft that drives the oil pump pulled out enough to be out of the oil pump. In case that happens, there are ways to get it back in without pulling the pan like I did.
So, if you replace the pickup in the distributor, do it without pulling the distributor and you may save yourself a lot of pain. I think a good idea is to spray WD40 at the base of the distributor when you think of it. On the 351M water likes to puddle around the distributor. Patrick
 
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Old Aug 6, 2014 | 01:48 PM
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Thanks guys, I will try all this when I get a chance. Also reading one of the other threads, I am thinking that I may have an "old gas" problem as well. A bit more work but need this to get going. Here I thought I would have this running at Christmas - last year! Thanks again.
 
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