Ok...85 bronco w/transplanted 302 from 79 van (replaced stock 351). Had many problems and replaced many electrical parts starting w/ battery, plugs 'n wires, module, alternator, duraspark, and finally the coil.

THe coil was last to be replaced. The Bronc ran well but it would not start after being ran sometimes and other times was prone to just die while running. It had an older style coil on it. I went to the junk yard today and got the right coil for an '85 w/ a 302 ( is there a difference between a 302 coil and 351 coil ?). It will idle and IMPORTANTLY has not just quit running. I replaced the coil because it was always HOT even if the Bronc just ran for a short time. The engine would cut off at any moment and it seemed that after I would take the coil to distributor wire off and turn it over & then put the wire back on, the engine would start again. All of this happened AFTER the engine had run awhile and the coil would be hot. After replacing the coil today I started the engine and it has started even after runnning, sometimes this would not happen. THE PROBLEM IS that now it idles well but in gear it seems to miss and want to stall. Anyone with any ideas? The engine hasn't stalled but it seemed pretty close. I say stall because before it would be running fine then just abruptly die whereas now it will be running then start to "miss" then run normal again then start w/ the "missing" again. What is going on NOW ?!?!?

Thanks!

 

are you running the proper firing order for the 302, make sure all the plug wires are seperated and not touching or crossing each other. what is your timing set at? have you replaced your fuel filter and is the fuel pump new? are you using the proper flex plate for that motor and not the one from the 351w? have you performed a compression test on the 302?

 

I agree with Kemical ...
1) verify firing order ... although it runs well except under load ... so this is probably just a verification
2) Timing
3) Fuel Filter
4) Then pump performance

 

It was the wire from the coil to distributor. I bought a replacement and he is running fine for an old horse. Now......just have to find a solid replacement for the 2 barrel, yuk!

Thanks for the help!