No spark

Tiny
CESKURKY
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 FORD E-SERIES VAN
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 42,000 MILES
While warming up the vehicle shuts off. No spark. Cranks but no start. No spark. Unplug the timing bypass thing and it starts and idles. Plug it back in and within a minute or so it shuts off. No spark. Unplug it, it starts. Now this doesn't happen consistently, but when it does unplugging it seems to correct it. Help? Also, put in a new distributor, module, and coil 2 weeks ago for this very problem. Not to upset, but now it's time to find the real problem. Thank you.
Thursday, August 5th, 2021 AT 10:44 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
I am not sure what timing bypass component you are referring. I am thinking this is the Spout connector? This is the connector that you disconnect in order to set the timing.

Is this what you are unplugging and the engine starts and runs correctly? If so, I suspect the SPOUT or PIP is giving an incorrect signal and the TFI module is shutting the spark down.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Take a look at this info and if this is not correct, can you get a picture of this component that you are disconnecting and we can figure out what is happening.

I am attaching the info below on how this works which may help figure this out.

Let's start with this and go from there.

Thanks
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Friday, August 6th, 2021 AT 6:19 PM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
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Yes, that is the part I'm unplugging to make the vehicle run. How do I test, or know if the PIP or Spout is sending an incorrect signal causing the TFI to shut down the spark signal? What causes the PIP or Spout to send the wrong signal? What do I need to replace? Thank you. Your help is much appreciated. I'll wait for your reply.
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Friday, August 6th, 2021 AT 6:36 PM
Tiny
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Okay. That is good. When you say you put a module in it, I assume that was the TFI module as that is on the side of the distributor (I think)? Or was it the ECA module which is under the blower motor.

Basically the ECA sends a signal to the TFI module on the SPOUT circuit to adjust the timing and uses the PIP as well for proper ignition and fuel timing.

If you are unplugging the SPOUT and the engine runs, that forces the TFI module to use a preprogrammed timing set up. So I suspect the ECA is sending an incorrect signal to the TFI module which is causing it to stall.

If it were me, based on this info, I would put an ECA in it. Take a look at the info below and let me know if you agree.
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Saturday, August 7th, 2021 AT 5:56 PM
Tiny
CESKURKY
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Everything you're saying is spot on! I totally agree with your thought process. I'm ECA bound. I will let you know how it goes, especially if I'm still having trouble. I don't mind spending money on this being that it is my home (rv) and we love it. We appreciate your continued monitoring of my problem. Thanks so much! We'll be in touch. My nervous wife says thank you too!
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Saturday, August 7th, 2021 AT 7:30 PM
Tiny
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Haha. Totally understand. Based on this I am sure your nervous wife will be at ease when this is fixed.

We will wait to hear back with good news. Thanks for the update.
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Sunday, August 8th, 2021 AT 7:12 PM
Tiny
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We're both still laughing! I will get back to you soon. Thanks for everything.
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Sunday, August 8th, 2021 AT 7:49 PM
Tiny
CESKURKY
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Good morning, just letting you know computer is in, Spout connector in, van still running! Also I changed the water temperature sending unit just to cover all my bases being that the problem occurred as it was warming up. Every time I do something it works great for a week or two then seems to mess up again. I think this problem is solved! Of course I'll get back to you if it gives me trouble. And I'll get back to you if it doesn't. In a few weeks. I can't thank you enough, and all the diagnostic fees I might have incurred if I hadn't found you. My wife is calm and happy and you can't put a price on that. We love you man!
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Tuesday, August 10th, 2021 AT 10:06 AM
Tiny
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Haha. That is great. I think you solved it as well. In the event it is not, just let us know. We are here to help so please come back in the future.

Your wife sounds like a good women. If a well running RV makes her happy, that is one to hold on to. :)

If you care to, please leave a review at this site below. It will help spread the word to others.

https://www.sitejabber.com/reviews/2carpros.com

Thanks again and thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Tuesday, August 10th, 2021 AT 7:42 PM
Tiny
CESKURKY
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Awesome. We've been together 45 years! I've known all along she's a keeper. I'm a very lucky man. I'll keep you posted. One glowing review coming up. We'll be in touch.
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Tuesday, August 10th, 2021 AT 8:01 PM
Tiny
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Haha. That is great! Coming up on 10 years and feel the same way.

Thanks again. We appreciate you coming back.
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Tuesday, August 10th, 2021 AT 8:05 PM

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