I have a 1987 f-150 4x4 5 liter. I've narrowed down my no-start problem to the ignition control module (hopefully). The issue now is how to get out the second bolt on the bottom of the module, it is one of the module's mounted right on the distributor up against the manifold. Since i only need to turn the distributor 20 or so degrees, I was told that if i just mark where the distributor is positioned now to the manifold, as long as i put it back that way everything will still be in time. If this is true, what bolts do i remove to move the distributor. There is one bolt on the bottom of the distributor shaft that goes into the manifold that looks to be holding it in place, not sure??? There are also the four bolts at the top side of the dist. that use the special ford ignition tool, i dont believe i would have to remove these??? Any help or advice of an easier way to get to the icm bolts would be appreciated.

 

That single bolt with the small metal tab underneath it is the only one that you need to remove. But before you remove it, mark the distributor and the manifold like you said so that you don't have to re-time it, although it would be a good idea to check the timing anyway.

 

Find TDC on the compression stroke (firing position) by pulling the #1 plug and stick your finger in the hole. Turn the crank until you feel pressure blowing out. Verify that the rotor points close to if not at the #1 post on the cap.

After you have verified #1 at TDC in the firing position. Line up the balancer to 10*BTDC and make a mark with chalk or a sharpie on the distributor shaft and the manifold. Remove distributor. When ready to install drop the distributor in pointing to the #1 plug wire on the cap.

Now lightly snug up the hold down and remove the spout connector. Turn the distributor all the way retarded (counter clockwise) then hook up your timing light to the battery and the #1 plug wire and turn on the ignition key. Hold the triger on the light and turn the distributor clockwise VERY SLOWLY. When the light flashes you are perfectly timed to 10* BTD - verify with the mark you made. If the mark is off, this is how far off your timing was.

NOTE WHEN REMOVING DISTRIBUTOR; If you hear something sounding like it dropped when you lift the distributor, this was your oil pump intermediate shaft! When the oil pump is installed, the shaft MUST have the retainer in place to keep this from happening. Sometimes a previous owner may have replaced this shaft without the retainer (makes installing the pump easier???) and every time the distributor is removed the shaft comes out with it. Without this shaft in place there is nothing to turn the oil pump....and the only way to replace it is with the pan off.

 

okay...i have removed the small bolt and tab that held the distributor to the manifold, and marked the position. How easily should the distributor turn, will it turn by hand?? and which direction should i turn it? I was told clockwise was the only direction it would move?

 

To remove just lift up the distributor and wiggle the rotor a little until it is free.

You won't be able to turn the rotor itself.

 

Make SURE you either have the #1 piston at TDC on the compression stroke or know exactly where the rotor is pointing in order to re-install.

 

To reinstall the distributor, i am planning on setting the rotor to where my mark is and aligning the dist to my mark on the manifold, this will engage the teeth perfectly so long as the oil pump and cam have not been rotated, does this sound right moneypit??

 

Yeah, it will work if you marked the rotor position.
I like to time it the way I posted it ealier just to make sure the timing is spot on (it could have been off before removing).