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Starting problem

Old Jul 5, 2009 | 10:21 PM
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Starting problem

I'm not sure this post should be here or in the electrical forum, but here goes.

1977 Ford F250 , 460 auto.

I don't seem to be getting any spark when I turn the key to "Start". If I time it just right, when I release the key to the "Run" position, it will catch and run fine. Other times it'll kick back and try to run backwards. I've disconnected the coil wire and held it next to a good ground, cranked it over to "Start", and no spark, but just as the key goes from "Start" to "Run", there's a couple of sparks. I've never run into this problem before. It's got me stumped. Any ideas out there?

Thanks in advance....
 
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Old Jul 5, 2009 | 11:56 PM
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Oh, I've replaced the ignition switch and no change. I get the same problem when I "hot wire" it and jump the solenoid under the hood.
 
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Old Jul 6, 2009 | 12:06 AM
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Test for voltage at the "I" terminal of the solenoid while cranking. The "I" terminal is what supplies voltage to the coil during cranking.

Josh
 
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Old Jul 6, 2009 | 11:08 PM
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Just tested and there's lots of juice at the "I" terminal on the solenoid. The test light gets really bright when cranking. I also checked all the wires from the 2 plugs at the ignition module on the fender apron to the distributor/coil, and all check out fine. Looking more and more like I need a new module. While I had the module off the truck, I cleaned the mounting areas, in case the module needed to be grounded. There's a "Standard Auto Parts" one there now, so it's been replaced once (at least) already.
 
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Old Jul 6, 2009 | 11:22 PM
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I agree the aftermarket module needs to go and I highly suggest the Motorcraft unit, however...

Test the wires on the distributor pick-up, the wires should be orange and purple... and the test should be between 400-800 ohms.

Josh
 
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Old Jul 7, 2009 | 12:04 AM
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Just checked mine, and it came it at 565 ohms, so I guess its OK. Think I'm headed for a new module. The dizzy is a ProForm DuraSpark replacement unit.
 
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Old Jul 9, 2009 | 11:58 PM
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Update on this thread....swapped in a known-good ignition box today and the ol' girl fired right up!

Thanks for the help, y'all.

I appreciate it!
 
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