I need to change the ignition module (distributor mounted) on a '86 F 150 with the 4.9L straight six. Do I have to remove the distributor? I can't see any screws on the outside. Thanks for your help.
cwgjr

 

Iginition module should be bolted on the right hand side of the hood in the wall. should have two screws. make sure the small cables are good when you change it since its an old truck. Some of them rust. I have had it happen my past old 1986 f150. It's also good to pickup your truck's manual from your local autoparts store...runs for 10 bucks tops. goodluck, Deltasoft.

 

Dear deltasoft;

Thanks for getting back to me so fast, but my module is distributor mounted, not fender mounted.
Seems there are two different ways according to the parts store. Any further help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

oh oops sorry man got confused with ingnition solenoid. ok Here;s how you will take it out.... take out the distributor cap, and and you would see inside distributor like a clock arm or stick pointing clock wised. make sure you mark where is pointing with outside so that if you move left or right the whole distributor your truck does not go out of timing......next move it to the right the distributor once you have loosen up the bottom bolt that is holding distributor and engine. then the iginition module is flat to the distributor on your left hand side. It looks like a rectangle with a plug with lot of tiny wires to that plug...its usually grey. Unplug the iginition module and there is 4 bolts that are i believe hexagonal. You have to use a hex tool. Once you have done so, grab the new ignition module and apply a bit of the greese it brings then place it back the same way you took out the other one. plug in the plug and move distributor to your left once again. make sure its aligned to what you wrote down. If you get lost or anything, feel free to ask us again.

 

just a little advise....screws are dipped in so you cant see them much....use the hex tool.

 

You need a special tool, there are two very small bolts holding it on, they are in the holes you can see on the module.

 

Yes to the special tool. I changed mine with the distributor in place. I had to use a tiny little socket, I forget what size but it might have been a 4mm. I remember some cursing and stuff when I was trying to figure out what size I needed because you can't see them well at all. Be sure to put the glop they supply on the back of the new unit when you put it in.

 

thank you guys for sticking in.......am cuban and my language is not so perfect so i had a bit trouble explaining to cwgjr...

 

Dear Club Members;
Thanks very much to the guys that helped me with the F150 ignition module.
I got the special tool at the parts store when I got the module. It made things a lot easier. It was really easy when I understood what was going on. Thanks again.

cwgjr

 

no problem, am glad our advises helped you out.

 

I ground down a small 3/16 socket for a 1/4' socket wrench and it worked without messing with the distributor movement. You will have to grind it down though - do to how far it is recessed in there. And don't forget to grease the back- it should come with a small pack.

 

Yes, a 3/16" socket with the outside ground down to fit into the module's recessed holes is the ticket!! I changed mine without removing the distributor,
it is a real pain in the hands!!! Real tight in there!! Yes, don't forget the thermal compound!!! That distributes any heat to the metal dist' body!