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87 electrical problem

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Old Sep 29, 2012 | 01:33 AM
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Default 87 electrical problem

i have a 89 f-150 with the 302. the problem is it runs and then just quits like someone just shut it off, it doesnt sputter or anything. then it spins over real fast, but the fuel pumps prime. then you leave it sit for a few mins and it will start up and drive for a minute then die again. i changed the ignition switch mod and no help. could it be the distributor itself or the coil?? any help is great, thanks
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Old Sep 29, 2012 | 02:06 AM
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How old are all the ignition components?
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Old Sep 29, 2012 | 03:15 PM
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not sure, i know the plugs were replaced a few years back, i know the truck has 174,000 miles and the motor only 74000. My grandpa used to be a mechanic for 35 years and he replaced the computer and other stuff a few years back, it ran great till about a week ago.
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Old Sep 29, 2012 | 06:22 PM
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more detail on the problem, it will die on the road and rpms will drop to 0. sometimes when slowing to pull off the road it will kick back in and rpms will go to normal and will drive again. we replaced the ICM, and i know the fuel pumps prime when it dies. also when it is cold outside it will pop off and die right away, then it will start right off and run great till this problem comes along. i need to use this truck asap so any help would be great, its not throwing any codes either!
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Old Sep 30, 2012 | 10:36 AM
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Originally Posted by Ford 4x4
more detail on the problem, it will die on the road and rpms will drop to 0. sometimes when slowing to pull off the road it will kick back in and rpms will go to normal and will drive again. we replaced the ICM, and i know the fuel pumps prime when it dies. also when it is cold outside it will pop off and die right away, then it will start right off and run great till this problem comes along. i need to use this truck asap so any help would be great, its not throwing any codes either!
I would have a look at the TFI module on the distributor. Check the wiring and connector 1st.
Some auto-parts stores can test the TFI.

Last edited by klricks; Sep 30, 2012 at 10:42 AM.
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Old Sep 30, 2012 | 02:01 PM
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i was going to test the Schrader valve and see if fuel come out when it cranks, if it does it has to be the pickup coil in the distributor, if there isnt fuel it has to be the high pressure fuel pump on the frame. But im willing to bet it is the coil
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Old Oct 2, 2012 | 02:48 PM
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Just because fuel comes out it doesn't mean your pressure is good. Get a pressure gauge and test it. If you intend to rip into your ignition at least test it. Haynes has a really good test sequence.
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Old Oct 2, 2012 | 02:56 PM
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today i went to start it and it ran for a min then died and wouldnt start for the rest of the day. so i called up a family owned shop that are experts on vehicles, he said bring it over, so i went out, it started, and i drove it 20 miles with no problems, if anyone is gunna figure it out its these guys. ill update when i hear what was wrong with it. btw these guys charge very little to work on stuff.
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Old Oct 9, 2012 | 12:27 PM
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turned out to be the pickup coil in the distributor, so i just bought a new distributor and threw the new ICM on it and runs perfect
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