Its most likely the ignition module on the distributor. they are famous for going out. In fact, there was a lawsuit against ford because so many of them fail.
It gets hot and fails, then cools down and works. They cost about $30 at parts store.
Parts stores can test them, but often they work when tested because the tester doesnt get as hot as the actual distributor, so they say they are OK.
When you replace it, make sure to use special grease (thermal or lithium or something) they sell in a little pack at the register. It gets coated on the back of the module.
It takes a thin walled socket, cant remember the size. My craftsman works fine for this.
Lee |