losing fire and dying problem

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Sep 2, 2003 | 10:06 PM

82FordBoy

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losing fire and dying problem

Okay, I have a modified 351 windsor that ran perfect for 12,000 miles until recently. It has an all stock ignition, and a mild cam and edelbrock performer and carb setup. Probably about 260 horse torquey little engine. My problem is whether cold or hot engine temperature it will randomly die on me. A lot of the time it's on decelleration but not braking and usually under 1800 rpm or so. We don't feel like it's anything to do with fuel or carbeuration because it will be idling beatifully and cut off like your turning it off. Usually I can pop it in neutral, start it back up and keep on rolling, but today it showed a little hesitation. I was just wondering if this has happened to anyone else recently and could help me out with this problem.

Sep 3, 2003 | 12:43 AM

Ford_Six

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From: The Big, Oregon

losing fire and dying problem

Welcome to FTE!
What year is the truck, and what ignition system are you running?

Sep 3, 2003 | 12:45 AM

Scooter29

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From: Upstate NY Rochester

losing fire and dying problem

Hey there 82FordBoy and welcome to FTE! I had a similar problem on my 78' Bronco. Found a bad wire to the coil. You might want to check all the wires in that area, since they are all in front and seem to get weathered fairly often. Good luck and get back to us if you need to... Talk with you later....

Sep 3, 2003 | 09:46 PM

82FordBoy

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losing fire and dying problem

It's an '82 F-150 with a rebuilt '82 351 Windsor. I have an electronic ignition (non-points) and it's all stock except for an accel coil.

Sep 4, 2003 | 12:43 AM

Ford_Six

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From: The Big, Oregon

losing fire and dying problem

Have you checked the grounds?

Sep 4, 2003 | 02:27 PM

82FordBoy

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losing fire and dying problem

No, I think it may be a weak or worn ignition switch on my column. I don't know.

Sep 4, 2003 | 06:35 PM

Scooter29

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Joined: Jul 2003

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From: Upstate NY Rochester

losing fire and dying problem

Yes, I had an aftermarket coil as well, and the Duro-Spark, but it still happened. I would be cruising along, and total shut down! I was pretty embarassed the first time, since it happened in front of a major mall entrance! HEE HEE! But I did end up replacing a few wires and connections. Of course, oue winters aren't that mild either.
Jared also has a good point. If you have a short in your system, It'll cause the same senario. I know it's a PITA, but even the ignition switch can cause intermittent problems. Get back to us, if you do or don't find the probelm. Thanks, and we'll talk with you later....

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Sep 10, 2003 | 02:38 PM

Tacit_k

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losing fire and dying problem

I am not sure what Ignition system you have but on my 83 I had a similar problem. it turned out to be the crank position sensor. (a non-moving sealed part just went bad)

Now the funny part is it happened only when my girlfriend would drive the truck for a long time. then it happened to me. It never occured to me that the part was bad because I had replaced it 2 years prior when I rebuilt the engine, the old one was crushed when we removed the engine. I tried everything from cleaning ground to replacing wires and even replaced the girlfriend after she suggested I replace the truck.

I have since discovered I have the not often found EEC-III and even getting the correct cap and rotor for a tune up is difficult at best.