Ignition system questions
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Trailering
Joined: Jan 2024
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Ignition system questions
I am relatively new to the Ford truck scene. I purchased a 1983 F-100 with the 300 I6 and 3 speed manual. I have questions regarding the ignition system and weather I have the Duraspark II, Duraspark III or EEC-IV system (I have a very poor knowledge on these systems so I may have said those wrong). I have very bad luck when it comes to ECMs and them failing on me so ultimately I would like to determine what system I have and how difficult it would be to reduce the amount of electronics (sensors and computers) on the vehicle if possible.
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From: Virginia
1983 is hard to say. If yours is a California model you indeed may have something bizarre on it.
If you have a large silver box on the driver's side fender, and it has blue plastic where the wires come out of it, then that is the duraspark II system. Count yourself lucky and keep that. Fairly simple good ignition system. Only reason to get rid of this is if you are trying to "harden" your truck against a EMP strike, I guess you could go to points for that. But points are a pain.
If you have a large silver box, and it does not have the blue grommet, you may have a EEC-III. But I have never seen that system on a inline six.
If you have a grey rectangle shaped module mounted on the distributor itself, then you have the EECIV system and that is the TFI module. I agree, if you have this, get rid of it.
If you have a large silver box on the driver's side fender, and it has blue plastic where the wires come out of it, then that is the duraspark II system. Count yourself lucky and keep that. Fairly simple good ignition system. Only reason to get rid of this is if you are trying to "harden" your truck against a EMP strike, I guess you could go to points for that. But points are a pain.
If you have a large silver box, and it does not have the blue grommet, you may have a EEC-III. But I have never seen that system on a inline six.
If you have a grey rectangle shaped module mounted on the distributor itself, then you have the EECIV system and that is the TFI module. I agree, if you have this, get rid of it.
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Trailering
Joined: Jan 2024
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I noticed it had a silver box on the wheel well of the driver side but I did not take note of the color. I will check on that when I get home. From the reading I’ve done I would like to convert it to the duraspark II system if it isn’t already.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Angier, NC
If you can post up a picture of the box and the dist. so we can see both we can tell you what you got.
Also Dave did not point out if the dist. has a vacuum hose going to it or not can help tell what you got.
We also need to know if the truck has to go thru smog by someone looking over the engine bay area like in Cali.
Dave ----
Also Dave did not point out if the dist. has a vacuum hose going to it or not can help tell what you got.
We also need to know if the truck has to go thru smog by someone looking over the engine bay area like in Cali.
Dave ----
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Washington
If someone swapped out the stock coil for a high performance coil, this will make the duraspark ignition system unreliable.
Add a photo of the coil.
Does it have a "push ON" horse shoe shape connector?
Jim
Add a photo of the coil.
Does it have a "push ON" horse shoe shape connector?
Jim
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From: Virginia
If you can post up a picture of the box and the dist. so we can see both we can tell you what you got.
Also Dave did not point out if the dist. has a vacuum hose going to it or not can help tell what you got.
We also need to know if the truck has to go thru smog by someone looking over the engine bay area like in Cali.
Dave ----
Also Dave did not point out if the dist. has a vacuum hose going to it or not can help tell what you got.
We also need to know if the truck has to go thru smog by someone looking over the engine bay area like in Cali.
Dave ----
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Trailering
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.
From what I can tell Im a happy man with the DSII system, at least from what y’all have responded with. Silver box with blue plastic at the wires and a vacuum advance on the distributor. I live in a state with no emissions testing as well.
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
That is a good factory system. And easy to get parts for. If you ever happen to be in the junkyard, lift the hood on any Ford Lincoln, Mercury car or truck from the late 70's to the mid 80's. Any engine, 4, 6 or 8 cyl, they are all the same. If you see one of these modules that says "Motorcraft", pick it up. Those are the best to get. Just make sure it has the blue plastic where the wires come out. You can test it when you get it home, if it works, then throw it under the seat in case one day the one you are using goes out.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Angier, NC
If you do need to buy one ask for top of the line one as you get what you pay for.
I have been running a NAPA top of the line for years now. Only reason I replace mine was the potting was leaking down the inner fender onto the garage floor
I have it as a spare.
Dave ----
I have been running a NAPA top of the line for years now. Only reason I replace mine was the potting was leaking down the inner fender onto the garage floor
I have it as a spare.
Dave ----
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