No spark, new tfi, rotor, cap. only spark when key is turned to off

Tried starting it again and noticed that the fuel pump was not turning on..
this is not true done wrong,
and spark is first never ever fuel first, fuel does not burn lacking spark (gas)
if spark is bad on all spark plugs then fix spark. (all plugs dead)
you really really need to end that fixaction on fuel, spark is bad
the pump only pumps cranked and running not key on
most do a 1second prime most noobs never see or know how to find that out (a fuel pressure gauge is that tool) (a 2 man job)
one at key, 1 at gauge, or voltmeter at pump wires rear. 2man not 1 or learn to crank and see fuel pressure good
and learn this fact, too, the ECU on all cars made cuts fuel if the ECU brain detects spark loss to end crash and burn as seen on TV>
this is done 1 or 2ways or both cuts injectors and cuts the pump dead , on newer cars crash switches cut fuel too, so 3ways
end fuel , deals back to SPARK


its bad wiring for spark and using a voltmeter to the correct spot when spark fails is the only test to do.
91'F150 Pickup, not econoline 4.9L gas.
it has a distributor or TFI-I or TFI-iv system
the ICM must be thermal pasted new install or fails hot.
the SM book shows it has TFI spark. in the real 4.9 schematic.
lets focus ******* TFI 4.9L
AS YOU CAN SEE , ANY OF ALL THIS CAN FAIL AND DO THIS OLD.
BEST IS NEW FULLY LOADED DISTRIBUTOR THIS OLD !
Tests:
1: the red wire must be hot keyon, at spark lost or BINGO1
2:the ecu detectS spark loss at pin 4. input. and cuts fuel faST.
3:The TFI IS the ignitor acts like old points did it charges up the coil then fires it.
4: spark is lost we always check for spark directly at the COIN.
if dead there we know coil bad or all part to the left and below bad.
5:the red/light green wire must also be 12vdc hot keyon,
6: the noise cap not missing ,dead or bad or noise can make the TFI module misfire or act up at random, noise is not good here.
7: that is for power loss etc. the problem seems like wiring bad./loose., if spark is good at coil say so. as it might be and only the ignition suppressor is bad and this cuts fuel dead if bad.
the supressor name is not good, better is spark detection read back filter. if bad ECU CAN NOT SEE SPARK HAPPEN
heck it can even lost or its pins rust after 31 year on the road.


FULL SIZED HERE

https://imgur.com/a/5wCgHKp

FIXYA MESS BELOW.

1st did You check the TFI module? Also the plug on the coil may be loose. May also have bad pic up coil in distributor. Sounds like bad TFI module though

Did you check primary voltage to ignition coil? red wire with lite green tracer, use a test lite to check voltage, goes hot with key on, circuit is fuse protected.

1980's Fords were notorious for the "Thick Film Ignition" (TFI) modules going bad. They were so bad in fact, that there was a class-action law suit filed against Ford for this issue. If you are sure that your distributor cap, rotor and wires are in good condition, then I would try replacing the TFI module. It is screwed to the side of the distributor. A special socket tool can be purchaced at your local parts supplier for this purpose. The screws go way inside the body of the TFI module and standard sockets will not fit into the hole far enough to get onto the head of the screw. It is not real expensive. You are looking at maybe less than $80 for the TFI module and the tool to install it with.

Re-check the basics . Does the distributor rotor rotate while cranking?Note: Distributer cap must be removed. Does the vehicle have enough available spark to plugs? Do we have enough fuel pressure 30-35psi min.? With a 12volt test lamp
check for power to fuel injector while cranking. one wire should
remain lit and the other one should blink.
NO ROTOR ROTATION = worn distributor gear,or timing belt failure.
NO SPARK= bad module,coil,no voltage to coil,or faulty PCM
RELAY.

I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/richard_9a19ee73dfa4686a

Your vehicle may be equipped with either of the following ignition systems, depending on the year and engine combination:
* 1981-82 1.3L and 1.6L engines: Dura Spark II Ignition System
* 1982-85 1.6L Non-EFI and 1986 1.9L Non-EFI engines: Thick Film Ignition I (TFI-I) System
* 1983-90 1.6L EFI and 1.9L EFI engines: Thick Film Ignition IV (TFI-IV) System

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the distributor from the engine.
3. Place the distributor assembly on a workbench.
4. Remove the two TFI ignition module retaining screws.
5. Pull the right side of the module down the distributor mounting flange and then back up to disengage the module terminals from the connector in the distributor base. The module may then be pulled toward the flange and away from the distributor.
   

Do not attempt to lift the module from the mounting surface, except as explained in Step 3, as the pins will break at the distributor module connector.


To install:

1. Coat the baseplate of the TFI ignition module uniformly with a 1 / 32 in. (0.8mm) of silicone dielectric compound WA-10 or equivalent.
2. Position the module on the distributor base mounting flange. Carefully position the module toward the distributor bowl and engage the three connector pins securely.
3. Install the retaining screws. Tighten to 15-35 inch lbs. (1.7-4.0 Nm), starting with the upper right screw.
4. Install the distributor into the engine. Install the cap and wires.
5. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
6. Recheck the initial timing. Adjust the timing, if necessary.

Hope helps.

old for 302s like it better at 8-12 over tdc

Check to see if the rotor button is turning,that will tell you if the timing belt is broke or not,also,the ignition module tfi module is most likely the problem if the timing belt is not broke.

Hello Ford Cobra.
Strange the fuel pump stays running as soon as the key is on.
This is leading me towards a possible relay problem that is also affecting the power relay that powers up the injection system.
Is there power to the ignition coil momentarily as the key is turned on?
If so the power relay is working and will lead to the next diagnosis step.
Keep me informed.

KL

Has the truck had a tune up?
Check the TFI module or replace it should be bolted to bottom of distributor. Replace cap, wires, plugs, rotor button and coil.
(TFI modules during the 80's and 90's failed when it got hot.)