Hey guys, I need some diagnostic help on a Duraspark setup. I used a 75 system to upgrade a 72 FE. Worked fine for years, then quit. Replaced the coil, and it ran for a day then quit again. I have pulses coming off the dizzy, and was wondering if this points to a bad Duraspark unit. Also, does this setup require a capacitor to function?

 

75....still using points or was the switch to DSI made? Can't remember when the DS system was optional/what application.....74 -75 I think.

At first glance, and if you have the DSI, I would suspect the ICM.....mebbe the stator, depending on troubleshooting you're going to do.

If you have points, get a new condenser/capacitor....points systems like 'em.

 

Blur connector on bottom.

Sounds like a bad module. If you have a JY near you with older vehicles in it go looking for a module with a "Blue" connector on the bottom. like pictured here.

 

You might check the plugs as they do form a corrosion type of stuff on the plug prongs of the plug.. if you have not cleaned an replace the old dielectric white grease in yrs.

But these module boxes our cheap buy a new one at you loco or online.

I say why buy an old one from a JY that mostly bad.

Orich

 

Here is another option. You can clean out your current Dura Spark Module and upgrade to the HEI Module. Cheaper and easier to walk into your local parts store to get.







Goop and internals cleaned out, HEI Module installed.



Wiring.

 

Actually, a '74 ICM and '75 ICM were one year only deals...proprietary to that year.

'74 grommet was black....'75 grommet was green.

'76 - '79 used the blue ICM grommet....when/if used in '76.

I would wait for the OP to get back to us as to whether he has points or electronic ignition system... then we'll know fer sho.

The HEI is a good option as stated by fe390pc.

 

DuraSpark Electronic Ignition introduced in 1974, but not all vehicles came with it until 1976.

The module used in 1974, is 1974 ONLY / The module used in 1975, is 1975 ONLY.

These two modules were so unreliable, that Ford techs referred to DuraSpark as NeverSpark!

1976/79; 1977/79; 1978/79 ~ THREE different modules:

1U2Z-12A199-AA (replaced D6AZ-12A199-A & B; D9VZ-12A199-A) .. Blue Grommet Module (Motorcraft DY-893) / Available from Ford.

1976/89 misc FoMoCo vehicles.
-----------------------------------
D7AZ-12A199-A .. Red Grommet Module / Obsolete

Misc: 1977/79 FoMoCo vehicles sold new in CA .. This module was a horrendous POS!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D9AZ-12A199-C (replaced D8AZ-12A199-A) .. Yellow or Brown Grommet Module / Obsolete

With high altitude carburetors: 1978/79 F100 302; 1978/79 E100 351W; 1979 E100 302. Misc. 1978/79 FoMoCo Passenger Cars.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D4PZ-12A112-A .. Stator aka magnetic pickup coil (Motorcraft DU-1A) / Obsolete ~ Available NOS & auto parts stores.

1974/79 all FoMoCo V8's except 1979 LTD/Grand Marquis 351W with EEC (Electronic Engine Control system - onboard computer).

 

OP did state that he has a dura spark and asked if this issue "points" to a bad module, not that he has points. I would replace the stator with a 1976 unit and get a Blue module. I believe this will fix your issue. I mention the HEI conversion due to its abundant supply and cheap price.

 

V8 stator is the same 1974/79 (except some 1979 cars as noted in post #7).

 

 

If OP does indeed have a 1975 system with the 75 module he can't easily go to a 76/ blue tab module. From memory I think one of the two plugs are different. And I think some of the wires are in different positions in one or both of the plugs.
OP, see if the module gets hot to the touch as you're trying to start the truck. If so I believe that is the bad part. Also check the stator in the Dizzy. Don't man handle it but see if the oval blue part of it moves around a bunch. If so that is a clue that the stator is bad.

 

The wiring with plugs that feed out from the module is not different 1975 vs. 1976, but in 1974 as well.

These two NeverSpark modules are obsolete, probably available from auto parts stores, but are likely made in China.

Be thankful that you were never involved in the D7AZ module FIASCO, only installed in some 1977/79 sold new in CA vehicles.

When installed on 1978's, this module was a horrendous POS and to make matters worse, it was D99 for 3 months!

 

I could swear the 3 wire plug had three wires in one module and there were only two wires in the other module's 3 wire plug. And one or more wires in a different positions.
And I am glad I was in Arizona during that fiasco.
Edit.
Googled it.




Note #7 and #8 wires reversed.

 

TYPO! I omitted ONLY.