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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

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Old Sep 3, 2005 | 01:42 AM
  #1  
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Unhappy No Spark

Ok, I've put a 302 5.0 sefi motor,88, into my 1960 f100. I got the instructions from an article here. I've double checked every single wire, and I am still not getting any spark from coil to the dist. I've got 12volts coming to the coil plug wires, but nothing from the coil wire. The truck sounds like its ready to start,but nothing. Help! any suggestions? miami
 
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Old Sep 3, 2005 | 07:30 AM
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I am not sure what it takes to check a computer that old. You should be able to plug into a connection in the wiring harness and check the trouble codes which would help. If it does not have that there should be a light wired up that allows you to read trouble codes when you turn the iginition on and off in a certian sequence. I would buy a repair manual for the car the motor came from and see what it says.
 
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Old Sep 3, 2005 | 10:25 PM
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The most common problem with that style ignition is the module on the side of the distributor. You can take it to an AutoZone and they can test it. It ain't cheap and it ain't returnable, so make sure it's bad before buying one.

Prior to that, I would look on your wiring diagram and find out which coil wires are Batt and ground. Disconnect the plug from the coil and hot-wire it accordingly, and see if you get a spark when you make/break the connection. (Or AutoZone can test the coil too).
 
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Old Sep 5, 2005 | 12:28 PM
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ok guys,thanks for a reply. I have the manual, and I have a different tfi module so thats where I'm at. I'm going to try the stuff today. Also got a meter to test stuff. Albuq F-1, how do I make/break the connection to the coil? Any instructions,please? Thanks in advance. miami
 
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Old Sep 6, 2005 | 04:30 PM
  #5  
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Also, check the distributor points. I had the same problem yesterday on my 55 Y-Block and found the dist. points had closed up, don't know why. Set them and it runs fiine.
Fred
 
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Old Sep 6, 2005 | 04:43 PM
  #6  
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Miami,
I think what Albuqf1 means is to run a couple of wires to the hot and ground on the coil and then make and break the connection. So, either using the ground or the power wire touch it to the appropriate terminal breifly and pull it off simulating the signal from the distributor while checkign to see if you get spark from the secondary of the coil.

good luck
Bobby
 
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Old Sep 7, 2005 | 06:34 AM
  #7  
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Hey Miami,
It's kind of ironic but I've got the exact same problem right now. My '92 302 HO ran ok a few weeks ago, but now I've got no spark. I've come to the same conclusion as a few of our FTE'rs have suggested. TFI module (aka. ignition module) I've talked to a few Mustang drag racers that claim they carry at least 2 spares with them at all times becuase they go bad quite often.
Good luck. - Brad
 
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Old Sep 7, 2005 | 07:53 AM
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Bobby has it right about the coil, although neither of us cautioned you to put the high-tension (secondary lead) away from yourself, about 1/4" away from a ground. There will be quite a jolt if it works.

IMHO the TFI module isn't unreliable if the rest of the system is properly done. Racers may be using non-resistive plug wires, or big coils, or other non-stock parts that stress the TFI. Be sure when you re-install the TFI that you put a good, even smear of dielectric grease on the back side for good heat transfer. Also make sure the engine is properly grounded, which may not be the case in an engine transplant situation with a stock wiring harness.
 
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Old Sep 8, 2005 | 05:39 AM
  #9  
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well guys it finally started! I think it was the tfi. anyway, now i've got a few things to tighten up, but IT STARTED!!!!! thanks to all the replies. miami
 
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Old Sep 8, 2005 | 05:43 AM
  #10  
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Has anyone heard about the recall on the tfi modules? Theres supposed to be a conversion kit that moves the tfi back over to the fenderwell and off the distributor.I think that I'm going to look into this. Just curious to know if anyone has done this. miami
 
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Old Sep 8, 2005 | 10:02 AM
  #11  
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Glad to hear you got it going!!!

Bobby
 
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