HELP courier ignition problem
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Joined: Dec 2006
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HELP courier ignition problem
I need some advice on how to trouble shoot what appears to be an ignition miss on a 73-74 ford courier. While driving the truck, the engine started missing terribly, to a point that it is un-drivable. The miss becomes worse as the rpm increases. If you try to drive it, you can’t get over about 35 mph. If the truck had points, I would say the points had moved or a plug wire was off. All the plug wires are on. Is there any way to check the distributor? It appears to have a magnetic pickup sort of unit instead of points. I plan to put timing light on it tonight and see if it is even close. I don’t suspect the timing belt because it only has 40-50k on it. I have not done a compression test yet.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
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Is it an aftermarket points replacement type ignition system?
If it is original then a Mazda car forum may have some info on repairing that system. It could possibly have a Ford Duraspark system also.
A repair manual might have some info. If you do not have a manual then you may have to get one from a used automotive book reseller. They can be found on the web.
If it is original then a Mazda car forum may have some info on repairing that system. It could possibly have a Ford Duraspark system also.
A repair manual might have some info. If you do not have a manual then you may have to get one from a used automotive book reseller. They can be found on the web.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
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From: So Cal
Yeah the other stuff, plus check the inside of the distributor cap to make sure you don't have carbon tracks, black lightening bolts on the plastic. Thses short out the distributor and are a reoutine maintenance item on old vehicles. Also check that the carbon button in the middle is good. Looks like a fat pencil lead that is round. Might be spring loaded so it should be springy if it has a spring. Usually this wears out and no longer makes good contact with the rotor.
Check the rotor also to make sure the top contact is clean and "springy" and that the edge contact is clean.
Make sure the timing advances at rpm. Also like you said check the timing to see that it is set properly. Off timing can make the engine run like it is missing or bogging on gas.
Get one of those neon ignition testers anc check to see if you get a nice bright flash on all wires. Also when it is really dark run the engine and look under the hood for sparks. This is an easy way to check for bad wires.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
Check the rotor also to make sure the top contact is clean and "springy" and that the edge contact is clean.
Make sure the timing advances at rpm. Also like you said check the timing to see that it is set properly. Off timing can make the engine run like it is missing or bogging on gas.
Get one of those neon ignition testers anc check to see if you get a nice bright flash on all wires. Also when it is really dark run the engine and look under the hood for sparks. This is an easy way to check for bad wires.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
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