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The 390 in this 4x4 runs very smooth 99% of the time. Currently I only use this truck to haul stuff to the dump, at least till I do some upgrades to make it a bit more presentable and reliable. Anyway, the last two trips to the dump the truck it ran great for about 7 or 8 miles and once I came to a stop and let it idle for a couple minutes it died. It starts again after a couple minutes and then coughs and spits for a second or two intermittently for the next couple minutes before running smooth again. <O</O<O
I suspect a clogged fuel filter or dirt in the carb but someone mentioned that it might be the Duraspark ignition module. I'm not all that familiar with Fords so I'm looking for some help here before I tear into this thing. <O</O<O
So is it just dirt in the fuel or is this symptom of a Duraspark problem? <O</O Thanks in advance for your help<O</O
Eliminate fuel filter and carb and then if the problem still happens then look into the ignition module and it's not exspensice to get another ignition for it.
I had a 351 powered f150 a few years ago that was experiencing a similar problem. I replaced the Duraspark module and everything was fine. Mine ran absolutely perfect before and after the little problem. It would just die without warning and start up later like nothing was wrong.
When you replace the filter also take off the top of the carb over the fuel bowl and look for crud in there.Some how over the years crap manages to get past the filter and accumulate.
I had the same problem, except mine died while driving, so I replaced the fuel filter, cleaned the carb, and I had the lines replaced awhile ago when I first started working on the truck, also a big cause of this, is stuff built up in the gas tank(s) from sitting. My backtank I had to buy additive to break it all up and get rid of it, you might want to get some additive for the tanks if it is a dual or not and just fill it up completely, dump this in it, and you'll be good.
I had the the same problem as brentleedragon and did everything he did but it would still die while i was driving, blowing 2 mufflers. I changed the module and the mufflers and it hasn't done it since.
Thanks guys. I appreciate the insights. I'm going to change the fuel filter, install an aftermarket air cleaner assembly, replace the module and rebuild the wiring from the module to the distributor as well as replace the coil. The engine is a re-man unit from one of the local auto parts stores and is only about 3 years old but I'm quite sure all the accessories, wiring etc are vintage 1976 so it's probably about time to do this anyway. <O
One more question. The guy at Auto Zone says I have to pull the distributor and disassemble it to replace the pickup. Is this true or was the Auto Toad blowing smoke? <O
Last edited by Junkyard Dog; Oct 23, 2006 at 07:03 PM.