I have had bad ignition modules to bad wire crimps, ground issues, and even bad MSD 6AL, for me it's never something easy like a fuse. I started making a checklist so I can check all the voltages from the last issues I had. It doesn't help that I am getting older so a checklist helps, now I'm having to use readers! Good luck let us know what it was so I can add to my list.
 

I have an extra blue module. Will try that first. Then will try distributor pickup. I used to have a new one around here somewhere. Might have chunked it when I moved, but I guess there is another one in my truck distributor. It has never been fired up. Anybody know how to test one?

Check resistance through the pickup coil.  If its sky high or infinite its shot. 

I plugged in a second new module. No joy. Pulled the coil and bench tested with ohmeter. It passed within specs. Thanks for the test methods on the pickup. I will try those, but I ordered a new pickup that I will install as soon as it gets here.  I even pulled the distributor out of my truck 5.0 and tried to remove the pickup from it. Brand new distributor… the screw holding the pickup in place was stripped and could not be removed.  So now I have two dead distributors. Wondering how good a deal these Chinese duraspark distributors are… I have had good luck with them in the past.

Maybe I should just buy a pertronix distributor and carry an extra module for it.  Alot less wiring.

BILLY WALTON from GEORGIA wrote:

MS wrote:

I plugged in a second new module. No joy. Pulled the coil and bench tested with ohmeter. It passed within specs. Thanks for the test methods on the pickup. I will try those, but I ordered a new pickup that I will install as soon as it gets here. I even pulled the distributor out of my truck 5.0 and tried to remove the pickup from it. Brand new distributor… the screw holding the pickup in place was stripped and could not be removed. So now I have two dead distributors. Wondering how good a deal these Chinese duraspark distributors are… I have had good luck with them in the past.

Maybe I should just buy a pertronix distributor and carry an extra module for it. Alot less wiring.

\

I bought a rebuilt 1966 distributor  and put the petronix in my 66 and it was in there 20 years till I wrecked.
 

I'll second that.  I've only lost one Pertronix module, and that was my fault (left the key on too long).  Otherwise I've had 26 years of trouble free operation. 

I was thinking of changing over to Duraspark but maybe Ill keep my 30 old Unilite.  

 

New coil is within specs as per previously mentioned bench test with ohmeter.

I have a new distributor pickup coming today.  Will try it.  I also ordered a stock look, Ignitor III PERTRONIX DISTRIBUTOR last night from Summit. I am fed up with the “replacement” duraspark distributors having bad components and stripped out screws right out of the package.  Back when you could buy a 20 year old Ford distributor at a swap meet, install it and watch it run, things were different.

I will try this new Pertronix III distributor with adjustable rev limiter and multi-spark discharge throughout the rpm range and see how it works out. It will certainly get rid of a bunch of extra wires and those ugly duraspark plugs on the distributor and module.  And supposedly looks just like stock distributor.

Started wife’s 79 F150 Thursday last week.
First time this year.

December 31st was last time it was run.
Had to repair snowblower on tractor.

I looked at case and it has no markings or casting name.
It is just a blue grommet module too.

Josh, your experience with the duraspark is typical of mine in the past. I have forgotten how many I have installed.

I bought a new duraspark distributor pickup from autozone. I installed with wiring all temporary due to my troubleshooting efforts.  I touched the key and it fired up immediately.

Tomorrow my new pertronix distributor will arrive. I am going to install it just to have less wiring showing. The duraspark setup, now tested for functionality (like the seller’s website claimed the new duraspark distributor was) will get installed back in the truck. Then I have an extra duraspark new distributor with a stripped out plate for a future 5.0 build.

Boy, this 331 with a stock cam sure sounds…well…stock!  Those split exhaust tips have a nice rumble to them, but no cam lope.  Stock 1990 5.0 Mustang GT roller cam.

Good deal Steve.

I should also add that I purchased the DS wiring conversion loom from NPD....this set up is on both the coupe and FB.

So it was the pick up in the aftermarket distributor that failed?

Not the ignition module.

Just want to verify according to your title.

Nos681 wrote:

So it was the pick up in the aftermarket distributor that failed?

Not the ignition module.

Just want to verify according to your title.

Yes, distributor pickup was bad.
Today I installed the pertronix distributor. Works fine.