My 1987 f-250 with the 351 and ''Duraspark II'' ignition doesn't seem to have spark in start up, but does in run. I have replaced the ignition module, coil and ignition switch.

Some models of the 'Duraspark' modules had defective programing and would 'go dead' on rare and unrepeatable conditions. You could 'clear' the condition by briefly switching (just a spark touch) the battery connections. IF it is getting fuel to the cylinders and ignition spark anytime--it WILL start or at least try to start.

Also check the fuel pump to be sure it is coming on.

No. The MSD box takes the place of the Ford ignition module (duraspark II most likely).

Possibly you need to change he battery . check he batery if it,s low , replace it .

are u sure it,s spark and not the fuel pump relay?...when u have no spark..it never starts period ....

Check for 12 volts at the coil with the key on. This system uses a hall effect pick-up which is located in the distributor. Along with this pick-up you have either a (TFI) thick film ignition module or a duraspark ignition module. If you have a TFI it will be mounted on the side of the distributor. A duraspark module will be mounted to the drivers side fender well. In most cases, the pick up in the distributor is the root cause. If you have a TFI module, the pick up and module are usually replaced as a pair. Good Luck.

you may have a bad duraspark ignition modual or a bad connection from the duraspark to your coil

Do you have any idea what ignition system it has, as there were 2 or 3 used in around those years on the AMC products. If it's the HEI system, I'd suspect (1) pickup coil in distributor, or (2) module in distributor. If it's not HEI, let us know and we can help further.

1987 Ford Crown Victoria 5.0L FI 8cyl

Duraspark Type Plug Wires
The spark plug wires used with the Duraspark type ignition system are 5 / 16 in. (8mm) in diameter to contain the higher output voltage. There are two types of wires used in this system, and some engines may have both types installed. It is important to properly identify the type of wire used for each cylinder before replacements are made.

Both types are blue in color and have silicone jacketing. The insulation material underneath the jacketing on some plug wires is a silicone layer separated by glass braid. The plug cable not incorporating the silicone layer is used where engine temperatures are cooler and are identified with the letter SE with black printing. The plug cables with the silicone insulation are used where high engine temperatures are present. These cables are identified with the letters SS with white printing.
Each spark plug cable, if original, is marked with the cylinder number, model year and date of cable manufacture (quarter and year). Service replacement wires will not have cylinder numbers, or manufacture date.


On any vehicle equipped with a catalytic converter, never allow the engine to run for more than 30 seconds with a spark plug wire disconnected. Unburned fuel in the cylinder may ignite in the converter as it is exhausted and damage the converter.

When removing spark plug wires, mark and tag the individual wires. Grasp, then slowly, twist the insulator back and forth on the spark plug to free the insulator. Do not pull on the wire directly as it may become separated from the connector inside the insulator. Special tools are available which can help ease plug wire removal, and prevent damage to a cable.

When installing a new set of spark plug wires, replace the wires one at a time so there will be no confusion. Start by replacing the longest wire first. Route the wire exactly the same as the original.



Fig. 1: 6 cylinder engine-240Firing Order: 1-5-3-6-2-4Distributor Rotation: Clockwise



Fig. 2: 8 cylinder engine-255, 302, 351, 400Firing Order: 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8Distributor Rotation: Counterclockwise



Fig. 3: 8 cylinder engine-390, 427, 429, 460Firing Order: 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 DistributorRotation: Counterclockwise


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I hope helped (rememer rated this) Good luck.

the mii am a Ford dealer tech of 25 years experience and here is what I have found causes this problem, it is the DURASPARK IGNITION MODULE.

replace you duraspark box, when it warms up it shorts out causing the engine to lose fire and quit.