Ignition problem

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Jan 12, 2014 | 08:36 PM

bra$$monkey

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From: Peoria IL

Ignition problem

56 F100
351c
c4

I get no spark.

I replaced the coil

I have good voltage coming into the coil on the green wire (ign on) & not enough on the red wire to light my test light.

I have zero spark coming out of the cap.

I have a new wire running from the coil to the cap.

The truck has electronic ignition - I have no idea what brand or type.

Is there a definitive test for the pick up coil or some way to ID the ignition I have?

Now for the crazy idea - I have a 91 bronco with a 5.0 - would the dizzy & ignition pull out of that 5.0 & drop into the 351c? Just to test it? Crazy I know - but hey - its here & if that ignition will light my truck why not try.

Jan 12, 2014 | 09:35 PM

52 Merc

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Joined: Oct 2009

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From: Burbank, WA

302 dizzy won't fit in a Cleveland. Oil pump drive hole is smaller and the housing shorter.

Jan 12, 2014 | 11:20 PM

dmack91

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From: Central Oregon

I went with an HEI in my 289. It seemed easier than purchasing everything separately and there was a definite plus to only having to run a power wire and you are ready to go. The only issue I had was that with that tall of a cap I had to run a 1" spacer under my air filter assy. At less than $60 it is hard to beat if you are looking at replacing yours.

TSP HEI DISTRIBUTOR FORD 351C 429 460 CLEVELAND V8 50K V COIL BLACK CAP JM6506BK - Newegg.com

Here is a pic (I know it isn't a cleveland, but it gives you an idea of the size on a small block).

Jan 13, 2014 | 08:27 AM

bra$$monkey

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From: Peoria IL

That is incredible! I was getting ready for a 3 month journey trying to ID the components I have.

How can they sell an entire distributor for less than $60?

Coolness. I'll order 1 today.

Jan 15, 2014 | 10:09 PM

dmack91

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From: Central Oregon

I won't tell you that I got the one for my 289 for $38 shipped through them then. I was trying to make a list of what I would need, but when I found this I was sold.

If you are already running an electronic Ford dizzy, the plug wires should even fit the new HEI.

Jan 16, 2014 | 06:01 AM

bra$$monkey

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From: Peoria IL

I ordered mine from amazon. Should be here soon. I hope to drop it in this weekend.

Jan 18, 2014 | 05:08 PM

bra$$monkey

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From: Peoria IL

Hey guys - Update.

I dropped the new dizzy in this morning! It took a couple stabs, but it was good family time with my 12yr old son too.

I had a heck of a time getting the oil pump shaft to line up. I eventually had to take the old distributor, pop the cam gear off & use this as a tool to turn the oil pump shaft in order to get it to line up for the new shaft.

So - the truck POPs right to life!

I have a couple things I need to finish up.

1) haven't hooked up the Tach yet
2) Need new plugs & wires - I broke a wire while playing around & when I pulled a plug to get on the compression stroke I noticed the plugs were pretty nasty.
3) The dist is tall (I knew this) & the air filter no longer fits. The radiator hose touches it too. I will be finding an extender or something to raise the air cleaner & I may swap out to a new radiator hose.
4) I still have to remove the old coil mounted on the firewall & clean up the wiring a little.

Thank you to all for helping me with this - it truly was a cheap fix & this new dist. is much nicer than my old one.

Go Team!