Hey guys, I keep getting closer and closer to getting this darn thing running! I'm having the problem of not getting any spark, I don't know how it's possible but I feel my coil somehow went bad without ever even actually starting the truck... I tested the positive side of the coil, it has power going to it with the key in the run position, however the other side has nothing, not even with the key in the start position... Engine does turn. Where does the wire on the negative side run to? Could there be a problem with the wire or do you guys think it's the coil? 85-f150, converted to DSII, 5.0 302 Manual trans, 2WD HELP

 

The wire from the other side of the coil goes to the ignition module, as shown below. And, it is possible the coil has gone bad. But I would check by disconnecting ignition module from the coil as it may be taking the coil's negative side to ground.

 

Does the coil get warm if you leave the KEY ON. If the coil gets warm look elsewhere for the problem.

In a DS2 IGN system current flows through the coil with the key ON. The negative side of the coil should still have about 1-1.5 volts. Are you using a DVM or a test light.

Jim

 

Test light, i don't have enough money for a dvm..... Am I gonna need one?

 

What he's saying is that with a test light you can't tell that there's 1v on the bottom side of the coil, which probably means the ignition box is working correctly.

 

Whats gonna happen if I disconnect it from the ignition module? And when I do, do I just test it like before?

 

If you disconnect the module at C323 you should have battery voltage at the tach connection on the coil with the key on. That proves the coil has continuity, meaning it probably isn't bad.

 

Okay cool, I'll try it and see what happens hopefully tomorrow if I get a chance

 

I had the same problem a few month ago, replaced coil because of pitting on plug head and still no spark. Traced problem to pick-up coil inside dist. 1986 Ford F-150 302 5.0L v8 EFI

 

Ok, so it was the coil, I'm getting spark now but it's not firing, I had someone turn the key while I worked the timing light to insure I was getting spark, however, while I was doing this I noticed my alternator was actually smoking! Gonna go pick up another one, but I'm still curious as to why it's not fireing, it should still start with a bad alternator right? I mean I glad it didn't at the risk of fire but still!

 

I would suggest changing your pick up coil. I was having the same problem and it kicked my butt. I replaced pretty much all components except pick up coil because I couldn't remove drive gear. Bought a new dizzy with everything on it and it worked.

 

If it was the pickup coil, I wouldn't be getting spark would I? After changing the coil I'm getting spark

 

Seeing the timing light flash proves the pickup is sending a signal to the DS2 IGN module.

But ... the timing light might still flash if the spark is weak, weak meaning not strong enough to jump the plug gap and start the engine.

good luck

 

So you're saying the pick up coil could be good enough to send a spark but not good enough to send a strong enough spark to jump the plug gap? It's a reman dizzy I've heard of people having problems with these in my latest internet knowledge endeavors...

 

The pick up in the Dist just sends a signal to the IGN module, if the timing light is flashing it is working.
Take the coil wire and hold it close to a good ground. The coil should be able to produce a strong spark. I usually have my wife hold the coil wire as I don't like getting shocked

Good luck Jim