MSD TFI ignition upgrade problems

[Treadted2]

I put all of this stuff in this weekend. I put in a TFI coil, Cap and rotor, new 8.5mm wires and Autolite double platinum plugs.

Here is the problem. I was driving it yesterday, came to a stop light, stopped, and when I started going again, the engine hesitated and stopped. I pulled over, checked all of the connections, and started it again. It didn't start up quick like it had been up to this point. It was one of those long drawn out starts where the engine turns and turns and then finally starts.

To nyone who has done this or experienced this, what could the problem be??

Thanks

Ted

[Treadted2]

I just drove it again and had more problems. It would hesitate when accelerating, sputter and turn off randomly. It almost seemed like it would do it when I turned also. Pretty wierd. Any ideas??

Ted

[Jake10]

Is this a rig with a Motorcraft ignition module? Or did you replace that with an MSD? The Motorcraft can cook and start running bad, or not run at all.

Are you using a ballast resistor? If not, maybe you cooked the coil. I was advised to use the ballast resistor when I did the TFI mod.

Finally, pull a plug. Might be fouled. I haevn't heard aything good about those platinum plugs in an older, non-FI engine.

If all this and still no good, suspect a vacuum leak in the intake somewhere.

[Treadted2]

Hey Jake,

I am not sure if my GW has the motorcraft module. It's an 84 with a 360.

And what about this ballast resistor?? Where does it connect? Should it have been on there stock?

thanks

Ted

[reddog]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Treadted2:
Hey Jake,

I am not sure if my GW has the motorcraft module. It's an 84 with a 360.

And what about this ballast resistor?? Where does it connect? Should it have been on there stock?

thanks

Ted<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

A stock 84 has the Ford Duraspark ignition. I think the ballast resistor is in the wiring harness in the engine compartment.

Did it run good for some time after you did the ignition upgrade Ted?? It does sound like a vacuum problem, but about 80% of problems with FSJs do.

I am having the same problems with my 87 but they started before I did the TFI upgrade. I have heard here that the ignition module (Duraspark) can be a source of problems. In both GWs (84 & 87) I have had no problems with them. I have seen some in junkyards in early to mid 80's Ford and Mercury cars and I think there the same units as FSJs use. I am sure the dealer would be mucho $$$$$$$$$$.


[This message has been edited by reddog (edited October 19, 2000).]

[Treadted2]

Hey Reddog,

It ran great when I first put it in. I have reason to suspect the fuel delivery system. See, I just put in a lift kit and we had to mess with the fuel tank to get the rear springs in. It didn't start until after this.

The mechanic that has it right now is going to check fuel pressure and check the pressure in the cylinders.

I don't know about the vacuum. It really ran pretty well before the upgrade. It was just weak and it mis-fired when idleing.

What do you think?

Ted

[Rande]

I read somewhere that Ford was having difficulty with the TFI coil due to mounting on the engine. Seems they where getting over-heated and failing. Is yours mounted directly to the engine? If it has been damaged try mounting the new one on a stand-off to keep it off the engine.

[reddog]

Hey Ted,

Sorry for the delay in responding, didn't see the post - you can email me anytime -but I may not respond fast either http://www.ifsja.org/ubb/smile.gif

With all the vacuum line/devices on GWs they have somewhat of a history of minor vacuum leaks. A rough idle is a classic symptom of vacuum leaks but it can also be caused by ignition problems, but after A TFI upgrade with new wires/coil/cap/rotor/plugs 99% of the potential problem ignition parts have been replaced. I test drove one that had two vacuum lines disconnected and was backfiring badly through the carb - it ran bad - when I looked at it and connected the lines the owner was shocked how good it ran. I wasn't going to buy it anyway so...

A hand vacuum pump and a factory manual are good tools to have with a FSJ and have been VERY handy to have when eliminating problems.

Anyway, go back to when the problem started and look at what you did to it just before that. Sounds like your on the right track with the fuel supply. You should have a better idea after getting the fuel supply checked. An easy way to tell if it won't start due to lack of fuel is to pull the air cleaner and dump about 1/4 cup of gas into the carb and see if it will fire up (will only start for a few seconds before it uses up the gas). If it does then your not getting fuel to the engine and if you just pulled the tank then of course start there looking for a pinched line or connection that is not connected (replace the fuel lines connecting the tank while you have it down).

Did the problems with hesitation and sputtering start after the lift kit went in or was this happening before the lift?? Did the roughness while idling change at all after the TFI upgrade??

It is always a good idea on GWs to go through and replace any/all vacuum lines. It is cheap insurance. Just do one at a time - don't pull a bunch off and then scratch your head on what goes where http://www.ifsja.org/ubb/smile.gif !!

Rande has a point about keeping the TFI coil cool by mounting it on the inner fender, mine is mounted on the engine for know and it has not been a problem yet but I do plan on moving it.

Let us know what happens...

Kerry

[This message has been edited by reddog (edited October 23, 2000).]

[Treadted2]

Hey Kerry,

thanks for the advice, but it turned out to be the lift kit throwing everything off because of the drive shaft being mis-aligned. It was putting stress on the tranny which made everything run bad. I don't quite understand why, but it's all good now!

thanks

Ted