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So I want to do a tune-up on my 74 F100 302. Here are a few pics of the distributor, etc. Is this original to the truck? If not, how do I tell what parts to order or are Ford caps, rotors, modules and coils interchangeable?
Anyone has a parts list for a normal ignition tune-up (i.e. looking for quality parts, not racing parts).
Points, condenser, rotor, distributor cap, spark plugs. Depending on condition, spark plug wires. Unless there is something wrong with it, replacing the coil generally isn't considered part of a tune up.
This was the standard distributor. 1974 was the first year Ford offered electronic ignition and it was optional. All Ford V8 distributor parts are the same (exc. dual point version and vacuum advance unit) from 1957-74.
When you replace the points, clean the contacts before you install them. Now days points can sit on the shelf for months, even years, before they are used. They develop an oxide coating that insulates the contacts.
Take a point file (no one has these anymore) or some fine sandpaper and run between the contact surfaces. After that run a piece of paper between the contacts, this will get rid of any grit left from the sandpaper, a dollar bill works well.
The points should include a small capsule of dist cam grease. Put a thin coating on the distributor cam and put a little on the points rubbing block. If you don't use the grease, the rubbing block will wear quickly and the point gap will close up. Install the points. Turn the engine so the points rubbing block is on the high point of the distributor cam. Gap the points .017"
Pertronix makes a kit which replaces the points with electronics. It would use your current distributor as a starting point. A good choice, especially if the current distributor is in decent shape.
Points, condenser, rotor, distributor cap, spark plugs. Depending on condition, spark plug wires. Unless there is something wrong with it, replacing the coil generally isn't considered part of a tune up.
This was the standard distributor. 1974 was the first year Ford offered electronic ignition (DuraSpark) and it was optional.
All Ford Passenger Car/Truck/Bronco/Econoline V8 distributor parts are the same (exc. dual point version and vacuum advance unit) from 1957-74 and 1975 without DuraSpark.
DuraSpark introduced in 1974, but not all vehicles came with it until 1976...as it depended on the applications.
Got the kit today! I'll be installing it on Sunday. One question - the instructions reference keeping the ballast resistor if one exists. Do I have a ballast resistor in this distributor? See pics in the first post. Is it that metal "can"?
Where does the resistor wire connect? From where to where?
The resistor wire is part of the wiring harness. It starts under the dash and terminates in the engine compartment where the "engine gauge wiring harness" plugs into the main harness.
On your engine, there is a wiring harness that connects to the temp sender, the oil pressure sending unit and the ignition coil. Follow this harness back to the firewall, there it plugs into the main harness. The wire that comes from the + post of the coil plugs into the resistor wire at this point. The wire is pink and marked "resistor wire do not cut or splice" it's entire length.
On the other end, it terminates at the point where it is spliced into a red w/ yellow trace wire under the dash.
OK, thanks for the pics! I don't recall seeing the pink wire, but I DO recall seeing a wire hanging off the coil not connected to anything (maybe 6 inches). I'll sort it out when I'm the truck next.
You probably aren't going to see it unless you're looking specifically for it. The pink resistor wire ends at the firewall plug. The wire that goes from the firewall to the coil is a regular wire that is red w/ green stripe.
NOTE: In the last picture I posted, the "pink" resistor wire is the thick wire that is paired with the black one. It's kinda hard to tell but it's a "dirty" pink.
08-16-2014, 08:13 AM
