302 Electronic Distributor Conversion

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 25, 2008 | 10:38 PM

amsuco

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 20

Likes: 0

302 Electronic Distributor Conversion

I have a '93 F-150 with a 302. One problem with this truck keeps reappearing. The distributor gets wet WAY too easy. I get tired of replacing rotors and distributor caps. Is there an electronic distributor that I can buy as a "drop-in" replacement that is better sealed against moisture?

I run a GM HEI distributor in my jeep (AMC 232 engine) and it never has an issue with water. I'd like for my truck to be the same way. Any thoughts? Thanks for the advice!

Ron

Nov 26, 2008 | 08:34 AM

Conanski

FTE Legend

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 31,930

Likes: 1,499

From: Ottawa, Ontario

Are you saying you have an ignition problem in wet weather? If so it's far more likely the coil and/or wires are the problem.. and not the distributor.

Nov 26, 2008 | 04:40 PM

PerfDistIgnition

FTE Sponsor

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 755

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by amsuco

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://performancedistributors.com/forddistributors.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

__________________
FTE Sponsor
Performance Distributors
www.PerformanceDistributors.com

Nov 26, 2008 | 05:37 PM

MBDiagMan

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 2,232

Likes: 3

From: NE Texas

A Duraspark is tough to beat for the money. The junkyards are full of them and they work great.

Nov 26, 2008 | 06:34 PM

fmc400

MSEE

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 10,386

Likes: 35

From: Austin, TX

I can't think of any ignition setup that would offer a better seal for the distributor cap; this is kind of an odd problem. I'd have to agree with what was mentioned above; and I'll add that you might have some exposed wiring somewhere that is actually the culprit. I have a straight six in my pickup and the distributor is actually exposed to the ground because of how the engine is configured, and I don't have problems. I'm using that example to illustrate the point that the ignition system is not supposed to be as sensitive to moisture as you're seeing when everything is in order.

Nov 26, 2008 | 09:00 PM

MBDiagMan

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 2,232

Likes: 3

From: NE Texas

I agree, it's such a weird problem that the moisture might be a red herring. Typically moisture effecting the ignition means a cracked distributor cap. In the days of point ignitions when we got a road call on a damp day for a no start condition, we didn't take anything to the vehicle except a distributor cap and it would fix it EVERY time. Since the distributor cap has been changed, it makes this one a stumper.

Nov 26, 2008 | 09:14 PM

amsuco

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 20

Likes: 0

Thanks for all the input! And yes...this problem does seem odd. All I can say is the truck has been in the shop at least five times in the last few years for rough running. It's ALWAYS the ignition. A spark plug here, a rotor and distributor cap there. At least once they replaced everything from the rotor on out (including all the plugs). The ignition fix never lasts more than a few months and I'm right back where I started again with a rough running truck.

I'm getting real tired of replacing the same parts over and over. My thinking was that maybe an electronic distributor would help the situation. It might not, but I'm ready to try a new approach to this problem.

Ron

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Verdad Gallardo

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Joe Kucinski

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Brett Foote

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

Pouria Savadkouei

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Brett Foote

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Joe Kucinski

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Michael S. Palmer

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Verdad Gallardo

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Joe Kucinski

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Brett Foote

Dec 1, 2008 | 03:27 PM

PerfDistIgnition

FTE Sponsor

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 755

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBDiagMan

A Duraspark is tough to beat for the money. The junkyards are full of them and they work great.

As far as junkyard Durasparks are concerned, beware of their worn out upper bushing-they only have one. We utilize a full length oil impreganted bronze bushing in our Durasparks. This improves timing accuracy and it will be more durable for you. Junkyard Durasparks also can have worn out advance mechanisms.

www.PerformanceDistributors.com

__________________
FTE Sponsor
Performance Distributors
www.PerformanceDistributors.com

Dec 2, 2008 | 08:10 AM

#10

gfw1985

Cranky Old Guy

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 3,562

Likes: 6

From: Raphine, Virginia

I would have thought that is was already electronic, since Ford started using the Duraspark about 1975. But, a little trick to keep moisture out. VW used to use hairspray from the factory to seal out moisture. Dizzy sat right under the air vents on old Beetles.

Dec 2, 2008 | 08:23 AM

#11

ken75ranger

Elder User

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 819

Likes: 0

From: Troy,NY

I'd try a 5.0 mustang rubber boot for the distributor first. don't forget to use some dielectric grease on all the connections. .If you still have issues a remote TFI might help. Most guys I know doing the remote tfi have heat issues more than water though.

Dec 4, 2008 | 07:29 PM

#12

amsuco

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 20

Likes: 0

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. The next time I send it to the shop, I'll let them tell me what's wrong THIS time. Then I'll try to use your suggestions to make the best call on how to solve this problem.

Ron

Dec 4, 2008 | 08:45 PM

#13

Lead Head

Lead Driver

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 7,868

Likes: 9

From: Rhode Island

Quote:

Originally Posted by amsuco

A 93 would already have an all-electronic TFI distributor. Also I'm not sure how it works on the 5.0 V8, but on my 2.9L Ranger the computer gets the signal to fire the fuel injectors from the distributor as well. If you swap out your distributor with a different type your engine probably will not run at all.