Engine Died While Driving and Will Not Restart
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New User
Joined: Oct 2006
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Engine Died While Driving and Will Not Restart
Hey everyone, I need a little help diagnosing a problem.
This morning I was driving to work and my '84 F-150(4.9L inline 6) just lost all power. I tried to start it again, but it just cranks. The battery is fine, but I pulled a spark plug and found that ther is no spark to the plugs.
I'm not much of a mechanic and I usually repair by the "trial and error" method.
Looking for the best place to start: coil, distributor, computer(if it even has one or where it is located). Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for viewing.
This morning I was driving to work and my '84 F-150(4.9L inline 6) just lost all power. I tried to start it again, but it just cranks. The battery is fine, but I pulled a spark plug and found that ther is no spark to the plugs.
I'm not much of a mechanic and I usually repair by the "trial and error" method.
Looking for the best place to start: coil, distributor, computer(if it even has one or where it is located). Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for viewing.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 526
Likes: 1
From: Spokane, WA
Man this one is so easy....your ignition module died! Pretty common on the Fords. I am pretty sure you probably still run the 5*5 inch Duraspark ignition module mounted on the inner fender? If so, go buy one and install it. They are not cheap but it is a pretty normal problem. It acts as if someone switched off the key on you.
Sometimes they will start back up once the box cools down, but not always.
Kenny
Sometimes they will start back up once the box cools down, but not always.
Kenny
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,223
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From: Billings Montana
It might not be just the ignition module. I had the same thing happen to me just a couple of months ago. I stopped at a store, came out and the truck would'nt start and I had no spark. I replaced the module 3 hours later with a Motorcraft unit and it started!
As I was driving home, it died on me on the interstate. It turned out to be the pickup coil inside the distributor would heat up and just up and die. I replaced the distributor and it's been fine ever since. If you can, go to a parts store that tests ignition parts and have them test your ignition module and the distributor. Just throwing parts at a problem is expensive. Good Luck.
As I was driving home, it died on me on the interstate. It turned out to be the pickup coil inside the distributor would heat up and just up and die. I replaced the distributor and it's been fine ever since. If you can, go to a parts store that tests ignition parts and have them test your ignition module and the distributor. Just throwing parts at a problem is expensive. Good Luck.
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New User
Joined: Oct 2006
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I appreciate the suggestions. One thing I left out was that I hit a bump in the road just before it died. Not sure if that would make a difference in the diagnosis or not. But I will definitely give the ignition module a try. It was exactly as if the key was turned off! The only thing showing was my battery light. Thanks!
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,495
Likes: 17
From: Kuna ID
I've been a victim of the pickup coil too. Happened while towing a car to the junkyard. I think the intersection was cursed. There were 4 other cars within a couple hundred yards that had died too. 
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2000
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i would be a good idea to have a spare duraspark II mod anyway. you can mount the spare right on the wheel well. so if it got it 2 plugs and your on you way
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Asheville, NC
How do you guys know that he has the duraspark II? My '84 with the 300 six had the TFI distributor.
The TFI distributor has a large rectangular box under the distributor with 5-6 wires running to it. Check the plug for corroded pins first. The module is in the rectangular box. It is replaceable, but you have to remove the distributor to do it.
Another way to tell the difference: The Duraspark II uses a round ignition coil. The TFI-IV uses a small square-ish coil.
There is a world of difference between them. You gotta know which is which.
If you have not got one, I recommend a Haynes manual for your truck. Get it at the auto parts store. Invaluable information.
The TFI distributor has a large rectangular box under the distributor with 5-6 wires running to it. Check the plug for corroded pins first. The module is in the rectangular box. It is replaceable, but you have to remove the distributor to do it.
Another way to tell the difference: The Duraspark II uses a round ignition coil. The TFI-IV uses a small square-ish coil.
There is a world of difference between them. You gotta know which is which.
If you have not got one, I recommend a Haynes manual for your truck. Get it at the auto parts store. Invaluable information.
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New User
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Thanks for all the suggestions! I finally had a chance to work on my truck today.
And the winner is....Ignition module! I changed the coil first and had no positive results except for a brand new coil. For the record, I have the TFI distributor with the ignition modulemounted on the distributor itself. Anyway, after it fired up I figured it was about time for new plugs and wires too. Hopefully I shouldn't have any electrical issues for some time.
Thanks again!!
And the winner is....Ignition module! I changed the coil first and had no positive results except for a brand new coil. For the record, I have the TFI distributor with the ignition modulemounted on the distributor itself. Anyway, after it fired up I figured it was about time for new plugs and wires too. Hopefully I shouldn't have any electrical issues for some time.
Thanks again!!
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 110
From: Northshore, MN
I just want to add for reference, that if it isn't the module, to check the dist rotor for movement. Last night we diagnosed an 84 f150 w/300 and came to the conclusion it was the tfi module. It wasn't. The roll pin sheared off inside the dist. causing a no-spark condition(the rotor and dist shaft wasn't turning) Just one more thing to check next time. 9 times out 10 it is the tfi module, though.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Asheville, NC
The TFI module was the subject of a lawsuit against our wonderful truck manufacturer itself.
MY old '84 ran over 300,000 miles, and still had its original TFI module when I sold it. The lawyers tried to get me to get into the lawsuit, but I declined.
My "new" '83 has the DS II system. It runs very well, with a spark that HURTS when it zaps you. Found this out with a cheap set of wires. Ran my hand over a wire and ZAAAPPPP! No more cheap wires for me!
MY old '84 ran over 300,000 miles, and still had its original TFI module when I sold it. The lawyers tried to get me to get into the lawsuit, but I declined.
My "new" '83 has the DS II system. It runs very well, with a spark that HURTS when it zaps you. Found this out with a cheap set of wires. Ran my hand over a wire and ZAAAPPPP! No more cheap wires for me!
New User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 14
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From: upstate ny
it happened to me today
same deal just driving along like someone turned the key off pulled over set for 2min started back up drove 5 miles same deal went and got the new module looked inside the dist cap some fine rust on the armature and some build up on the inside of dist cap i cleaned up the rust didnt change the module been runnin since but im carring the module just in case its the original in the 84 f250 with 351 windsor maybe its not the module just the fine rust previous weeks while driving it cut off for a second or 2 but came right back on would a bad module do or act like this????
Last edited by jwl379; Dec 30, 2006 at 04:46 PM.
