When coming home from a show, my engine stalled at a stoplight, and wouldn't restart. Had to tow it home. The next day it started right up, but I noticed the fuel filter was filled right up to the top, which seemed odd because when I was young the filters were always about 1/2 full. This one was half full a few weeks ago. I put a new filter on and it seems fine, but friends are telling me it's an electrical problem like the coil, control box or a ground.
Has anyone ever heard of a fuel filter clogging right up and starving the engine for gas and killing it, and then just enough gas seeps through the filter overnight to enable it to start the next day?
Also, I have the Ford Motorsport ignition system, (M-12199-C301 control box, and M-12029-A302 coil). Is this system known for problems?
Since these aren't made anymore, is there an aftermarket replacement that would plug in?
Thanks, Randy.

 

A clogging fuel filter will cause the engine to stumble under load, where it needs the most amount of fuel, and then it will idle just fine.

Your problem does sound more like ignition. What year/model/engine?

A common problem was Ford's TFI module, which was screwed to the base of the distributor, which would get heat damaged. In minor damage, it would stop working when hot, and seem to work fine when allowed to cool down. It usually degrades to the point where it won't work at all. I didn't have this problem, but I did a transplant on my Mustang just to avoid it:

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1Q...F5VW82R0FnSGF3

Ford did a similar move on some later cars and trucks.

 

It's a 1974 block 302 (rebuilt) with the electronic ignition and coil, built by MSD for Ford, from the Motorsport catalogue, and no TFI. The coil lays sideways on top of the intake manifold, which makes me wonder if engine heat is getting to it. Should it sit upright in a cooler spot?

 

How long ago did you purchase that? It was a complete DSII conversion kit, right?

MSD did supply the IGN module. You would have to contact them to see if still available.

 

Not an authority, nor clear about type of ignition system? Is there history with the carburetor? Curious, if the engine starts, runs then subject to stall at some point wonder if possible float needle valve sticking stopping flow of fuel, or possible fuel float level set too high?

Installed DSll in both 65's years ago and seem to recall if there was a problem with EI the engine would not start?

Hate it when other possible issues are thrown into the topic I would rather just have to focus on 1. Anyhow, food for thought?