1987 Mustang GT, Sometimes starts, sometimes not

ColaScStang · 4 Weeks Ago

A few months ago I replaced the ignition Module on the distributor because suddenly my car stopped running. I haven't had an issue until yesterday when I was leaving work and the motor would turn over great but again acted like there was no spark. I could hear the fuel pump come on so I don't think it's fuel related. Anyway, after about 5 minutes I decided to try it again and it cranked right up. Drove 30 miles home in stop and go traffic, no issues. Cranked it this morning would not fire up on the first try but did so on the second try. But I decided to leave it at home as my luck is not great and I may get stranded on the interstate again like last time! Any easy way to diagnose this? Could that module have gone out so quickly? I know I can have someone crank while I see if I am getting any spark, anything else? I ended up paying out the nose last time to have this diagnosed and fixed. Really don't have the money to do that again right now so any help would be appreciated!

spdjnky_42 · 4 Weeks Ago

Sounds like a dizzy problem to me or the ecm. DO you have MSD?

89coupe · 4 Weeks Ago

Could be a Pick coil, ECM relay, Fuel Pump relay. Next time it does this, jump out and check for spark.

ColaScStang · 4 Weeks Ago

No MSD just OEM parts. I am leaning to replacing the Stator and a new cap and rotor just to make sure. I know the stator, or PIP was not replaced last time. Is there an ongoing issue with the Ignition Modules crapping out on Mustang 5.0's?

**EagleAutosports** · 4 Weeks Ago

That's something many of us would like to know, as to why the pickups crap out. MSD thinks it's related to inadequate venting of the cap and the ionization inside degrades the pickup.

That's what your problem is. $20 at Auto Zone then a small fee at a machine shop to change it.

ColaScStang · 3 Weeks Ago

Ran codes, nothing got 11 system pass on KOEO KOER. So I guess I will drive it till it stops and then work the issue from there unless there is a way to test the coil, or dizzy, stator or TFI?

spdjnky_42 · 3 Weeks Ago

Theres ways to test those by using a meter, hopefully someone can give you the #'s.

STINGREY · 3 Weeks Ago

dude, sounds like a pickup coil.