1985 Ford E-150 Starts Then Dies

FORD F-150
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NOTIONES
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I have a 1985 Ford E150 Conversion Van with approximately 65K miles on the 5.0L engine. The engine starts up immediately every time, but dies just as quickly. Sometimes it will run for as much as 30 seconds before it quits, but that is rare. I rebuilt the E5TA YA 2BBL carb in an attempt to fix the issue, but the problem didn't change at all. I took the top off of the carb to watch fuel delivery and everything looks fine there too. Plugs, wires, cap, etc., are all new. Typically I would consider this a fuel pump, but the carb bowl is full when the engine dies and pressure from the pump seems quite high.
Mar 26, 2007 at 7:13 AM
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2CARPRO JACK
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Ignition module and the pick-up coil in the distributor
Mar 26, 2007 at 8:23 AM
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MCFERRANCE
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The TFI Module on the side of the distrbutor has separate ignition circuits for START and RUN that when bad can cause it to start but as soon as you leave off of the key, it dies. In my experience with this, the module tested okay but when I replaced it with a new one, the problem was solved.
Mar 28, 2007 at 2:37 PM
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NOTIONES
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It makes sense, so I am going to try it this weekend. I'll make a post with the results. Thanks again to 2CarPro Jack and Mcferrance.
Mar 29, 2007 at 2:25 AM
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NOTIONES
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Replacing the ignition (TFI) module fixed the problem. I would have replied sooner, but I just found time to put it in. Thanks!! BTW-This quite the booger to replace on a van.
Apr 4, 2007 at 6:38 AM

Suggested Repair

Replace the TFI ignition module on the distributor. A failing module can start the engine on the start circuit, then stall when the key returns to run. If that does not fix it, also check the distributor pick-up coil.

Conversation Summary

A 1985 Ford E-150 with a 5.0L starts immediately but dies within seconds, rarely running up to about 30 seconds. A carburetor rebuild, visible fuel delivery, a full carb bowl, and new plugs, wires, and cap did not change the symptom, and fuel-pump pressure seemed high. Experts pointed to the distributor TFI ignition module and pick-up coil, noting separate start and run circuits. Replacing the TFI module fixed the stalling.

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