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Nov 30, 2002 | 08:48 AM

jpt42

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No Spark

I have a 1978 F250 pickup which I use to snowplow for family and friends. I heard about the coming snow storm in Michigan and attempted to start the truck yesterday. I had no power. I replace the starter and the power returned, however, I have no spark. I replaced the coil and duraspark box and still no spark. I tried to replace the ignition module, but couldn't figure out how to do it. There's an 8 point cog on the shaft which I lifted off. I could not figure out how to get the arm of the vacuum advance off to get to the module. Anyone out there know how to replace the module? If that doesn't give me a spark, any ideas? Thanks for your help.

Nov 30, 2002 | 05:24 PM

Ford_Six

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From: The Big, Oregon

No Spark

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 30-Nov-02 AT 06:25 PM (EST)]You already replaced the module. That was the spark box. If you want to replace the pickup coil, you need to remove the distributor. Everything in there comes out through the top, but you have to pull the gear off the bottom. At this point, it probably would be easier to try a rebuilt distributor for around $40, rather than something that may or may not work. Having said that, have you done any testing, or have you just been throwing parts at it? The problem could be your ignition switch, solenoid, or the miles of wiring under the hood. Have a friend cycle the key (turn it off and on) while you check for spark. If it sparks, then the spark box and wiring are ok. Next, try a crank test. If there is spark, the solenoid and start circuit are ok. If it sparks once when the key is released, then it has a problem with the start circuit in the ignition. From here, repair or replace as needed. There is a resistance wire under the dash, also, that comes from the ignition switch. It should be pink, with a plastic tag on it that says resistance wire.

Jared

Nov 30, 2002 | 08:31 PM

Mike W

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From: Central Kali

No Spark

To replace the magnetic pickup, remove the C clip on the vacuum advance arm. unbolt the vacuum advance and it will lift off and out. Pull off the reluctor (8 lobe gismo), don't loose the little roll pin that holds it in place.

Remove the ground screw where the wires come into the distributor. Remove the round retainer wire that keeps the pickup assemply from moving up. The pickup assembly will now lift off.

You can test it before removal by connecting a voltmeter to it and cranking the engine. You should see 2 to 3 volts ac.

Dec 1, 2002 | 10:55 AM

jpt42

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No Spark

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 01-Dec-02 AT 11:57 AM (EST)]I replaced the pickup coil in the distributor and still no spark. Yes, I have been throwing new parts into it. I don't know of any more to throw at it. I suspect there's a broken wire or bad ground somewhere. I was thinking of testing the wiring by using a wiring diagram for the Duraspark II and an ohmmeter. Sound like a good idea? Got any others? Thanks for responding. By the way, it's snowing hard.

Dec 1, 2002 | 08:36 PM

electricmaniac2

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Joined: Jul 2002

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From: Jacksonville, FL

No Spark

Hmmmm... replaced the starter and power "returned?" Check your "I" terminal on the starter solenoid...this provides power to the DS2 box during startup. Check for 12V at the "I" terminal while someone attempts to start the truck. also, You can switch the key on, jumper from the Positive batt. terminal to "S" on the solenoid to engage the starter solenoid to check the "I" term. if still no fire, check for 12 volts at the coil "+" terminal and write back.

Dec 1, 2002 | 09:03 PM

fordmaniac21

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From: Golden ,CO USA

No Spark

check the starter solenoid. i have seen them go bad a lot on my trucks. now if i could only figuer out my charging problem.
'75 F-100 4x4, 4" lift
35x15.5x15 super swamper TSL/SX
mini-spooled 9" rear end
390 w/ cam,headers,
and 4 barrell edelbrock

TRIED TRUE and FORD BLUE

Dec 3, 2002 | 06:02 AM

jpt42

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No Spark

It looks like it was a bad ground. I cleaned the ground surface at the distributor as well as the mounting surface of the ignition module and the truck started. Thanks for everyone's help!