duraspark modules
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From: Marshalltown, IA
duraspark modules
My duraspark II module crapped out on me today, so I replaced it (under warranty), and the new one made it 3 blocks then it also went out. A friend of mine says they are grounded through the case, is that true? I didn't have mine mounted where it would get a good ground, would that really cause them to go out? Thanks
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From: Right Next to U
Yes, like all DC systems (Direct Current - Flows one way ONLY) needs the ground to work properly....just like your home (AC -Alt. Current Flows BOTH ways in circuit....it has two grounds, one in recp. and one outside on recp.) All AC/DC will need a ground in the circuit someplace, but NOT directly connected to each other
(positive to negitive directly). Just imagine that a bulb is connected to ground circuit on the outside of the case, while the hot circuit is connected directly in the center of the bulbs filament, if uts grounded before it gets to the filament, it will short and blow the circuit.
(positive to negitive directly). Just imagine that a bulb is connected to ground circuit on the outside of the case, while the hot circuit is connected directly in the center of the bulbs filament, if uts grounded before it gets to the filament, it will short and blow the circuit.
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From: Marshalltown, IA
Sorry, 1 more quick ? When mounting the module, I want to try and keep a little gap between the fender and the module to allow the air flow to cool it right? Also, would using a self taping screw into the fender give me a good enough ground? It's an 85 f150 that had the tfi eec-iv junk, so I'm not exactly sure how this mounts.
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From: Chandler,Arizona - USA
I mounted mine on the driver side wheel well, where the mounting holes for the DS2 box are located. I haven't had any problems.....so far. I had a 1983 that came stock with the DS2 system. Mounting the box was straight forward, no additional grounding was necessary.
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From: Marshalltown, IA
That's what I was thinking, thanks hoxii. Is there anything that could cause these to go out so fast? I probably had maybe 300 miles on the first one and 3 blocks on the second. I bought the cheap ones from Oreillys, I'm regretting it now. Now I have to wait for a new one to come in, every dsII module in the store tested bad. I'm not sure if the guy knew how to test em right or not, but it was the manager, makes me wonder about oreillys.
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From: GANS
I'd goto the junkyard and get one. I have one form GP sorreson on one of mine, and it's working good. However, I'd grab a couple from the 'yard and use them. The factory ford seems better.
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just make sure yours has the "li'l black wire". not all do, in my experience, but i'm on my first ford right now. my ford does NOT have plastic inner fenders.
sorry to butt in with my GM experience...... i'm not much of a Ford guy at this point, but gimme some slack.
if there's no black wire, then ground the case.
also, if your module has a resin-like stuff on the back, i wouldn't worry about cooling that side. that plastic stuff don't conduct much. it gets all the cooling it needs through the metal on the front. just keep it off the headers, ya hear?
sorry to butt in with my GM experience...... i'm not much of a Ford guy at this point, but gimme some slack.
if there's no black wire, then ground the case.
also, if your module has a resin-like stuff on the back, i wouldn't worry about cooling that side. that plastic stuff don't conduct much. it gets all the cooling it needs through the metal on the front. just keep it off the headers, ya hear?
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From: Chandler,Arizona - USA
Where do you have the power to the module coming from? Sounds like you may have too much voltage going into the module. I have 10.8 volts going into mine. Don't know if that is in specs or not, hence my closing question. I spliced mine into the wire powering the coil. I bought my module at Checker Auto Parts.
Does anyone know the correct voltage that is supposed to be used for supplying power to the DS2 modules?
Does anyone know the correct voltage that is supposed to be used for supplying power to the DS2 modules?
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The DS2 module needs a good +12V power supply (red wire) to work correctly. It grounds through the black wire, which terminates on the distributor housing.
The oil-filled coil requires less voltage on the primary circuit (only 7.5-9.5V typical).
Do not use the coil primary circuit to power the DS2 box. Low voltage will kill them faster than anything else. The red wire must have at least +12VDC when the ignition switch is in "run" position.
The white wire is used to trigger the DS2 start retard function (retards ignition timing for easier starting). The white wire should have +12VDC only when the ignition switch is in "start" position.
If the white wire is supplied a constant +12VDC, that will also burn up the module quickly.
The oil-filled coil requires less voltage on the primary circuit (only 7.5-9.5V typical).
Do not use the coil primary circuit to power the DS2 box. Low voltage will kill them faster than anything else. The red wire must have at least +12VDC when the ignition switch is in "run" position.
The white wire is used to trigger the DS2 start retard function (retards ignition timing for easier starting). The white wire should have +12VDC only when the ignition switch is in "start" position.
If the white wire is supplied a constant +12VDC, that will also burn up the module quickly.
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From: Chandler,Arizona - USA
Bubbaf250,
Thanks for the info. I was looking at a DS2 wiring diagram(fordsix.com). Does the starter relay have an "R" terminal on it? I assume that low voltage to the module would result in a weak spark. Am I correct?
Thanks for the info. I was looking at a DS2 wiring diagram(fordsix.com). Does the starter relay have an "R" terminal on it? I assume that low voltage to the module would result in a weak spark. Am I correct?