Parts question

Hello, me again

I'm new to all this, and I want to thank you for answering my questions, however stupids they might seem at time.

What is this part, and what does it do ???

Thanks

Bob in Sherbrooke

 

looks like a voltage regulator

 

Looks like an ignition module. If it has wires going to the dist cap, it definitely is.

 

Pretty sure it's the Prestolite ignition module. Definitely has a Prestolite distributor. What year is the Jeep again, 76 or 77? The Delco alternator should have an internal regulator.

 

Ignition module it must be...so what does it do, and what are the symptoms if it fails ???

I'm trying to solve some problems I had last night, the engine stalled, and I try to find out what the problem is....



Bob in Sherbrooke


it is a 77

 

They just stop working. Often they will come back to life after the engine compartment cools. Make sure that the plug connectors, esp. between the module and the pickup in the distributor, are very clean. Don't put much money into it - instead go HEI (GM) or Duraspark (Ford). Starting in '78, Jeep switched to the "base level" Duraspark system, which isn't great but is more reliable than the Prestolite stuff. The aftermarket DUI distributor is a hopped up Duraspark. The hopped up Duraspark is also know as TFI, for the better coil it uses. Both HEI and Duraspark can be fitted using junkyard parts, or bought from aftermarket sources.

 

Ok

If it stops working, can it cause the engine to stall at warm temperatures ???

Last night I took a small ride (less than a mile) and it stopped when I gave gas, however on idle it ran. I did stop the engine, let it wait a moment, and I was able to go home, but I had to stop twice.

The wires are all dirty, I'll try to clean them. But can it be the cause of my problems ?? it also idles funny.....



Thanks for answering, in my part of the world, this list is about all the help I can get....



Bob in Sherbrooke

 

When mine would get hot and shut down it acted like the jeep ran out of gas. Once it cooled down it would start back up. The module was extremely hot to the touch when this happened.

 

Did it run on idle when it was hot ???


Bob

 

When the module quits, the motor will not run at idle or any other speed.

It sounds like your problem may be more fuel related if it idles but dies at a higher RPM.

When mine would die due to the ignition module I would raise the hood and wack the module a few times with the end of a crescent wrench and it would start up and usually get me to my destination. I found this temporary fix to be true of the Ford Duraspark ignition modules as well. After replacing the module I have not had any trouble but I am sure it will surface again with the replacement module eventually. I carry the old intermittent module with me as a bad spare just in case the beating doesn't get me going again.

I'm not trying to hijack this thread but I would like to piece together my own version of HEI as a permanent solution. Does anyone have detailed info regarding necessary parts?

 

Here's a typical article: http://home.off-road.com/~keith.cj8/hei_upgrade.htm

If you do a Google search for "jeep 258 hei" you'll get a bunch of hits, many which overlap.

Yes, sounds more like fuel. These modules just stop, like flipping a switch (typically).

 

I will have to agree with XLR8N. It sounds like you have another issue. Maybe carb problems, or it needs a tune up badly. Also it is cold up there could be a bad ground somewhere. Good luck.

 

Thanks to all who responded

Last night I found out about a mechanic 10 minutes from my house who specialized in jeep, he has more than 10 in his driveway, mostly YJ, but I saw a couple of CJ.

I talked to him about my problem, and he said exactly like you all, some carb issue, or the wires. I'll test the wire to see if fires jump from one to another, and I'll also clean all the wires inside the hood, especially the ones that connect to the ignition module.

But I think I should bring my jeep to this guy. e has more knowledge than i, and i think he will be able to make a good tune up of my engine. i want a reliable jeep (I know, it is a 30 years old engine..) but if I can have a good starting point by someone who specialize in this, this is, in my opinion, the way to go.


Bob in Sherbrooke, province of Québec

 

I'm running the 304 V8 and it sounds like the only way to HEI this ignition myself is to take a Chevy 350 HEI distro, cut the base and machine a new base on it to fit the 304. This is something out of my league so I may have to bite my lip and spend the $$ and purchase a manufactured one.

 

For a 304, I'd suggest you go DuraSpark (Ford), not HEI. Look for a 360 Wagoneer in the pick-your-part for your distributor and harness, then fit the TFI parts. I'm away from home on a dialup right now, else I'd give you some links, but look for the TFI upgrade for FSJs on Google. Plenty of sources out there. hth!

 

TIMGR - Thanks for the recommendation but I'd rather not go Duraspark. Every Ford I ever had with that style ignition had at least one defective ignition module. Comparing that to the one module of the many GM HEI's I had required replacement, and I believe that one failed due to the tach shorting out, I'll have to stick with HEI as my goal.

I don't see Duraspark as an upgrade so I guess I will stick with what I have until it croaks again, then I will splurge for the HEI.

 

Fine with me, whatever you prefer You can mount an HEI module on your fender and drive it with a Duraspark distributor, if that interests you. Only the pickup and distributor, rotor and cap would be Ford parts then. There's a Bronco site about this - I'm still on a dialup connection so I can't easily help with a link. You could use an early HEI external-type coil or the Ford TFI coil - both high energy EI types (called EI because of the shape of the steel laminations), very much like the HEI integrated coil.

 

I't would die.