Ignition/timing question
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Joined: Oct 2007
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Ignition/timing question
I put a 351 m crate motor in my 78 a about a year ago. When I am driving around town 30 min. or less it does'nt give any trouble. The last 2 times I have driven more than a hour away from home with or without my boat it does fine going to my destination but on the way back if i accelerate or go uphill it starts to cut out and cuts off. I will crank back and has not left me stranded more than 20min both times. I 'm not sure what to check first any feedback would be appreciated.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 781
Likes: 18
From: East Texas
Sounds like a heat related failure in the electronic ignition (currently dealing with this myself). Most likely would be ignition module, magnetic pickup in distributor or ignition coil.
The module can be tested at an auto parts store, though the beginnings of failure only show up when the module is hot. When cold it usually tests fine.
On my 77, I replaced the distributor with a reman unit about six months ago. In the last couple of weeks it has left me stranded a couple of times. The first time, I changed out the coil with my backup (MSD Blaster) after the truck cooled. It started and drove fine until hot again. When it happened the second time, I swapped out the ignition module with a backup - no go until it cooled off. I am suspecting the reman distributor has a failing pickup.
The coil can be tested (though I don't know the specs off hand) and I believe the pickup can be tested. In my case, I bit the bullet and oredered a Procomp Pro Series HEI distributor as it is something I have been pondering anyway.
The module can be tested at an auto parts store, though the beginnings of failure only show up when the module is hot. When cold it usually tests fine.
On my 77, I replaced the distributor with a reman unit about six months ago. In the last couple of weeks it has left me stranded a couple of times. The first time, I changed out the coil with my backup (MSD Blaster) after the truck cooled. It started and drove fine until hot again. When it happened the second time, I swapped out the ignition module with a backup - no go until it cooled off. I am suspecting the reman distributor has a failing pickup.
The coil can be tested (though I don't know the specs off hand) and I believe the pickup can be tested. In my case, I bit the bullet and oredered a Procomp Pro Series HEI distributor as it is something I have been pondering anyway.
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Joined: Aug 2006
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I put a 351 m crate motor in my 78 a about a year ago. When I am driving around town 30 min. or less it does'nt give any trouble. The last 2 times I have driven more than a hour away from home with or without my boat it does fine going to my destination but on the way back if i accelerate or go uphill it starts to cut out and cuts off. I will crank back and has not left me stranded more than 20min both times. I 'm not sure what to check first any feedback would be appreciated.
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:
Ford Distributors
Also, there is now an excellent installation article on the D.U.I. Distributor on the Ford-Trucks.com site at:
DUI Ignition Installation In A Ford 351W V8 .: Articles
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