So I'm trying to fix a CM code 211 code .I found an old TSB (from Steve83) about shorted PIP/SPOUT wires near the ECM connection but that looks good. I replaced the ICM on the fender and now I want to replace the distributer/PIP.

Problem is, everything that comes up for my year model (94 F150, 5.8l) has cast gears and from what I can tell I think I have a roller cam engine which needs steel gears. The block casting number and the year point in that direction. This is the one I pulled out, do these look like steel gears, or cast?

 

If I get a distributer for a 96 year model 5.8l they come with steel gears.

ETA: And I know I'll be asked what testing I did to come to the conclusion these parts need to be replaced. Honestly, I don't have a test light or a multimeter but I did do a LOT of reading on various board, and watched some YouTube videos (including a good one from ScannerDanner) and I think it's a safe bet it's only a few things it could be. If replacing the ICM and Distributer/PIP doesn't fix the issue I'll just take it to a mechanic to do proper electrical testing.

 

I'm not good at telling the cast vs. not but I can tell you that there is a 99.9% chance you do not have a roller cam. The block is probably a roller compatible block (F4TE castings), but ford did not actually put roller cams in 351's until either late 95 or 96.

 

Put your truck info into your signature, and stop replacing parts. Click these, & read the captions:


(phone app link)


(phone app link)

A multimeter is a LOT cheaper than a distributor (especially a distributor you DON'T need), and in the time you spent watching videos of other people's other problems on other trucks, you could have learned how to use the meter well-enough to diagnose YOUR truck's problem.

 

That looks to me like a steel gear.
They're both steel of course but a cast gear will have casting on the parts that aren't machined; they cast the piece then machine the important parts.
The one they use for a roller cam is completely machined so there's no rough casting marks on the parts that aren't machined, if you follow that.
if you put the 2 side by side it becomes really obvious.
So just from your picture it looks to me like it's a machined gear (no roughness up near that split pin). Sort of indicates a roller cam - if it's factory.
You didn't usually find that in 94 351 motors, especially not F150 motors; although the block was usually r/c compatible.
You don't really know what you've got there - did someone change the motor ? did someone change the cam ? did someone change the distributor ?
My thought would be keep the distributor you've got, because it obviously matches whatever cam you've got. Put a new PIP in it and stuff it back in.
Just my .02 c