1979 ford granada wont stay running. i have replaced plugs, dist. cap. fuel pump fuel filter alternator...

replace fuel filter and if it continues have pump pressure checked

check for a fuel flow problem( pump pressure-filter blockage-injector/s) run fault codes ( check for HO2S and O2S sensor operation.. Check cat converter is serviceable Blocking exhaust system

Sounds like this pick up sensor in the distributor could be faulty but without my head under the bonnet and having a play i honestly couldnt say

basics-compression, electrical (battery, alternator), ignition (plugs, plug wires, ignition module, dist cap and rotor), fuel (fuel pump, filter, injectors, throttle body, regulator), management (engine computer)-petty much in that order.

An intermittant problem is usually electrical (primary or secondary ignition) so a voltmeter that measures resistance/continuity is a valuable tool. New and known-quality parts are better than cheap, Chinese knock-offs that might be junk out of the box but you are ignoring them becasue they are 'new'. Another good investment is a good OBDI scanner to see if you have a code since you have a EEC IV system which has particular weak points (like the pick up module). Grounds are also points of inspection and have to have good cables and immaculate contact surfaces free of rust.

You have a bad ignition module. It's a square aluminum box mounted to the fender, it's about 5" square and about 2" thick. It might say "motorcraft" on it in raised letters if it's still the original unit. It has two short bundles of wires coming out of it, each with a black plastic plug on the end. It controls your ignition system. The are the most common failure with this ignition system. When you go buy a new one they may ask "what color is the groment" this is referring to the color of the plastic seal where the wires go into the box.

time to buy a new van.. umm what about the alternator?

1/ Have you fitted the spark plug leads in the proper firing order.
2/ Look inside the top of distributor Top (this is not the first time a new distributer cap has very small crack) or the rotor arm is fitting the cap properly. Hope this helps Best Wishes, Malcolm Campbell.

have fuel pump checked

here u go.

after connecting your wire try resetting your distributor or pull timing chain cover and ckeck timing marks on gears