Duraspark Conversion trouble

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Apr 20, 2006 | 03:54 PM

Ponyexpress

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Jul 2005

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Duraspark Conversion trouble

We removed a points type 352 out of my Dad's 66 F250 and installed a 428. This motor came with a duraspark dizzy. I installed the rest of the components but the motor won't run; it will fire but it won't run. I have the white wire connected to the start terminal. The red wire connected to the red/green wire at the key. I am using the factory harness including the coil plug. I am using a new MSD coil for duraspark ignitions. I have 12 volts on the red wire when the key is on and cranking. I have 12 volts at the coil when the key is on, then it drops to about 9 volts when the engine fires and dies, the voltage returns to 12 volts. I have changed boxes--not fixed. I have 12 volts on the "I" terminal when the key is on. We are at a lose as to why it won't work. I need to get it running. I will put the points dizzy back in if I have to please help???

Apr 20, 2006 | 04:05 PM

Ringo Fonebone

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 1,465

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From: Southern Alberta

The pink wire coming off your ignition switch is a resistor wire, which when in "Run" mode (as opposed to "Start" mode, reduces the voltage to your coil to 9 volts. Duraspark runs on a consitent 12 volts. In other words when you turn the key to start on a stock ignition setup it feeds 12 volts temporarily to the coil for starting. when you release the key to run, it switches to the pink wire.
Bypassing the pink wire will eliminate this problem, but my truck was a 351W with the duraspark setup when I got it, and it ran just fine like that.
I bypassed the pink wire to get more coil voltage, but it still ran the other way. So that may not be your entire problem.

RF

Last edited by Ringo Fonebone; Apr 20, 2006 at 04:15 PM.

Apr 20, 2006 | 07:14 PM

daveengelson

Lead Driver

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 6,305

Likes: 18

From: Boulder Creek, Ca

Have 390ci and 302ci in 65's and wired both the same. Ran a search in both yahoo, & google and found bit of info. Also, search in FTE forumcame up with some additional info. Here are couple site may find helpful.

http://geocities.com/mustang_man_1966/duraspark_ad.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=245030

Seems last day or so, experiencing difficulty linking to some of the FTE threads, hopefully, those posted above will link up.

dave

Last edited by jowilker; Apr 21, 2006 at 04:45 AM.

Apr 21, 2006 | 04:50 AM

jowilker

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jun 1999

Posts: 24,552

Likes: 74

From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

I got the FTE one to work, and it was not an FTE error.

I am not sure that the other page is available.

John

Apr 21, 2006 | 08:40 AM

PROSTOCK

Cargo Master

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 2,053

Likes: 166

From: Central Texas

Pony, I have done the said conversion on my '65 F250. At lunch I will inspect the wiring. I remember it being a much simpler install than you have described. But I also agree that you may have other issues. Personally, I am not a believer in MSD products, as I have had more trouble than I should.
Tune in this afternoon for my wiring detail. It is a great conversion.

Apr 21, 2006 | 08:41 AM

garbz2

Post Fiend

Joined: Nov 2000

Posts: 6,060

Likes: 7

From: Glendale Arizona

Reverse the white and red green wire.....

Garbz

Been there and done that to Sincs slick when we did the overhauling to it. Ran when cranking but not on run.. switched the wires and she is still running like a champ.

Garbz

Apr 21, 2006 | 08:57 AM

Ponyexpress

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 15

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GARBZ2 wins the prize! The plugs for the red and white wires are reversed; at the box they are in one position but the other end they are reversed. I thought this was strange but my '87 F250 are the same way. It needs to be wired as the picture shows and it will work. We reversed the wiring and the 428 came alive!!!! Thanks for your help!