simplify ignition?
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simplify ignition?
Any way to use existing duraspark ignition system on 83 F250 (maybe late 82)after complete intake, carb and cam upgrade? Along with getting rid of that wierd motorcraft carb, I eliminated all those relays and hoses (that were on the old intake) and disconnected the module under the seat (is that the ECM???). Kept the crank sensor, distributor, coil and ignition module. Currently no spark.
There is an orange wire from the ignition module that went to the module under the seat (ECM?)...so that's not connected to anything. Also, two wires went to the ECM from the crank sensor...so they are not plugged in to anything. A third crank sensor wire connects to the ignition module. That one is plugged in. Didn't have to touch the rest of the wires going to ignition module, they are all still connected (ie: red and white). Everything is plugged in except the three wires I mentioned.
I hope I don't sound too ignorant. Just a matter of understanding what things are and what they do. Can anyone help? Any way to make this work or do I have to buy a whole aftermarket ignition system (boy they look expensive).
There is an orange wire from the ignition module that went to the module under the seat (ECM?)...so that's not connected to anything. Also, two wires went to the ECM from the crank sensor...so they are not plugged in to anything. A third crank sensor wire connects to the ignition module. That one is plugged in. Didn't have to touch the rest of the wires going to ignition module, they are all still connected (ie: red and white). Everything is plugged in except the three wires I mentioned.
I hope I don't sound too ignorant. Just a matter of understanding what things are and what they do. Can anyone help? Any way to make this work or do I have to buy a whole aftermarket ignition system (boy they look expensive).
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
Does your dist have a vacuum line going to it? Sounds like your engine is way more complicated that normal, and it may be a California model with the duraspark III ignition system. If you have this system(no vacuum line to the dist), yes it can be simplified, but you will need a new dist and a new module.
Tuned
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 345
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From: Southern IL
Not trying to be a smart you know what but, get you a book first. Second, I might find me a donor in the junk yard and pull the duraspark II module, it's on the driver side fender, or purchase one for about 20.00 and wire it up. Goes starter solenoid, key switch, module, coil, that's about it. I can make one work on just about anything and I'm sure you can too. Just need the wireing diagrams....
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From: Virginia
Just go to the store or the junkyard and buy a dist for a 351w. You might try a 83 or 84 f250. The early 351's were "M's" and they didn't start puttng 351w engines in till a little bit later. Also get a duraspark II module and make sure the plastic around where the wires go in is blue.
You probably will have to go to the junkyard to get the wires going from the dist to the module, but you can get this off any car or truck with a blue module on it.
The only connections you have to worry about are power to the new module, but I am wondering if the old plug on your truck will plug right in and work.
And also make sure you hook the vacuum line up to the new dist. See if you can find a vacuum port that has no vacuum at idle, but has vacuum when you rev the engine. This is the type of port you need for the dist connection.
You probably will have to go to the junkyard to get the wires going from the dist to the module, but you can get this off any car or truck with a blue module on it.
The only connections you have to worry about are power to the new module, but I am wondering if the old plug on your truck will plug right in and work.
And also make sure you hook the vacuum line up to the new dist. See if you can find a vacuum port that has no vacuum at idle, but has vacuum when you rev the engine. This is the type of port you need for the dist connection.
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From: Niceville, FL.
Make sure the drive gear and shaft length on the replacement distributor is the same as the original.
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From: Virginia
That will work. Just make sure you run a new heavy wire from the fuse box to the HEI dist. Your coil + wire you have now, has a resistor in it, so you can't use it. The HEI takes a full 12 volts, and it uses a lot of current too, so run at least a 14 guage wire, and better would be a 12 gauge wire.
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Originally Posted by 83 F250 Bang
I found a new HEI distributor (coil on top) on ebay for like $70. Should I just go that route? Looks alot easier.
If you decide to get a new distributor, consider our custom curved Duraspark Distributor built with our new Full Length Oil Impregnated Bronze Bushing. The full length bushing improves timing stability and spark scatter. If stock appearance is not an issue, take a look at our one piece D.U.I. Distributor. Whether you choose the Duraspark or the D.U.I., we curve each on a distributor machine based on your engine combination. Please see them at:
http://www.performancedistributors.com/forddistributor.htm
Also, there is now an excellent installation article on the D.U.I. Distributor on the Ford-Trucks.com site at:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/idx/0/358/article/DUI_Ignition_Installation_In_A_Ford_351W_V8.html
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From: savannah,ga
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