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1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

Duraspark Variants?

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Old Aug 22, 2015 | 11:08 PM
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Duraspark Variants?

What are the different variations of the DS ignitions. I am familiar with the DSII. However, what are the differences between DSIII and EEC IV ?
 
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Old Aug 23, 2015 | 06:24 AM
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DuraSpark uses a vacuum advance to adjust ignition timing.
There is no Powertrain Control Module.

EEC-IV sends a PIP signal from the Thick Film Ignition (TFI) ignition module on the distributor to the PCM computer, and the computer sends a Spark Out (spout) signal back to the TFI.
These trucks used the gray (Push Start) TFI mounted on the side of the distributor.
 
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Old Aug 23, 2015 | 07:10 AM
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EECIV is really the version name for the computer system. As was said the ignition module the EECIV system uses is the TFI module that mounts directly to the distributor. They are made to work together.

EECIII is a older computer system. It was used in conjunction with the duraspark III ignition system. The duraspark III uses a module that looks very related to the duraspark II, but like the TFI needs the EECIV, the duraspark III system must be used with the EECIII computer system.

The duraspark II system is a older stand alone ignition system that does not need a computer system for it to operate. It's a electronic ignition, but it has the centrifugal weights and vacuum advance inside the dist, so it adjusts the timing mechanically by itself. There are several different duraspark II modules, they are identified by the color of the plastic where the wires exit. They had a few different modules that adjusted the timing according to altitude and a couple other simple functions.
 
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Old Aug 23, 2015 | 08:12 AM
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Decent write up in Wikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duraspark
 
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Old Aug 23, 2015 | 08:45 AM
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OK, so according to the link Jr (1982 F150) came equipped with the EEC III.
 
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Old Aug 23, 2015 | 08:49 AM
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Maybe. The white '82 Explorer I had came with DS-III and EEC-III. Someone neutered the emissions system and swapped to a non-feedback carb, so the computer put it in limp-home mode, meaning the timing was nailed at 10 BTDC. Ran horribly.
 
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Old Aug 23, 2015 | 07:47 PM
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Originally Posted by bruno2
OK, so according to the link Jr (1982 F150) came equipped with the EEC III.
It should tell you on the radiator sticker.
 
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Old Aug 24, 2015 | 07:35 AM
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The module is brown.
 
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Old Aug 24, 2015 | 07:39 AM
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Wikipedia says "Certain 1981-83 models used the EEC-III system. This system uses a Dura-Spark III module (Brown grommet where wires emerge) and a Dura-Spark II ignition coil."
 
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Old Aug 24, 2015 | 07:43 AM
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It does have a DSII coil. I had one off of the Bronco which came with a DSII blue module and the Ford part number was the same on Jr's coil as it was on the Bronco pull off.
 
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Old Aug 24, 2015 | 07:45 AM
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Do you have the thermactor/AIR system hoses? Another guy on here is looking for them. And several other emissions pieces.
 
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Old Aug 24, 2015 | 07:52 AM
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I should have . I think I boxed them all up yesterday. However there was a pipe on the back of the motor (sort of in the center coming up) that looked to be rusted to pieces.


Show me some pics if you can and I will see what is in still in good shape.


Also, the only reason I know it had a DSII coil was because we were parts swapping on Pickles for a diagnosis and I noticed JR, The Bronco and Pickles all had the same part number on the coil.
 
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Old Aug 24, 2015 | 08:26 AM
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Here's the Thermactor system. And, the pipe across the back does get badly rusted due to the exhaust that tends to get in it. Anyway, a guy from Germany that's here in the States is building up a truck to take back w/him. It'll go from wherever he is to New York State next, and he thinks he'll need the Thermactor system to pass emissions in both NY as well as Germany. Plus, he's looking for other parts you may have, on this thread.


 
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Old Aug 24, 2015 | 04:54 PM
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I should have all of that. I don't think I cut any of the hoses other than a couple of vacuum lines.I will post on the thread.
 
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