Engine Cutting Out
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
Engine Cutting Out
today while driving my '80 F-150 4x4 w/ 400 cui engine, the engine just cut out on me while i was driving 35 mph. i then coasted over to the side of the road, got out and check all my electrical connections (battery, alternator, ignition coil) and all seemed to be connected. i got back in and started the engine right up, put it in reverse and put it into drive and drove for about 5 seconds then it cut out again. i then checked again, jiggled all the connections, got back in and started up right up again and drove off, this time with no problems. i drove it into an empty parking lot to make sure it was working fine and drove it around for about 10-15 minutes with no problems.
i am at work now and was wondering what you guys think the problem is and what i can do to check or fix this problems before my trip back home. thanks for your time.
i am at work now and was wondering what you guys think the problem is and what i can do to check or fix this problems before my trip back home. thanks for your time.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
Engine Cutting Out
that could be the problem
i drove it all the way back home today without any problems.
the one problem i have been having is when starting the engine cold, i turn the key to start it and the starter starts to crank, but i have to slowly turn the key back towards me before it ignites up.
i believe my module is about a year old so maybe i'll take it in to get a new one.
thanks for your reply
i drove it all the way back home today without any problems.
the one problem i have been having is when starting the engine cold, i turn the key to start it and the starter starts to crank, but i have to slowly turn the key back towards me before it ignites up.
i believe my module is about a year old so maybe i'll take it in to get a new one.
thanks for your reply
New User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Vienna USA
Engine Cutting Out
I have experienced the same, runs fine, then cuts out, and later restarts and may run fine for 300 miles or so.
Where is the best place to find an ignition module? I am original owner of this 1977 138" Window Van, 351W, 3spd standard, LSD rear with 78,000 miles
Where is the best place to find an ignition module? I am original owner of this 1977 138" Window Van, 351W, 3spd standard, LSD rear with 78,000 miles
New User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Engine Cutting Out
I have experienced this same problem numerous times, the ignition module is the cause of the hard starts and stalling. I had to replace my ignition module about every 6 months, after a year and a half of this, I researched more and was told that Ford uses a resistor type wire to provide power to the module. Since i had rewired all of my engine compartment I had removed the resistor wire, therefor, i was sending to much power to the module causing it to burn up over time. I remedied this by replaceing the ignition module with a Mallory promaster coil and breakerless magnetic advance distributor. The coil comes with its own ballast to drop the voltage to what it needs. Also after this replacement, i got better gas mileage and was able to run the engine at higher rpms without the ignition breaking up( another problem i was experiencing with the stock module).
