Ignition TFI module , Hey Dizzy, I DONT FIT YOU !

Topic: Ignition TFI module , Hey Dizzy, I DONT FIT YOU ! (Read 4893 times) previous topic - next topic

Ignition TFI module , Hey Dizzy, I DONT FIT YOU !

September 14, 2014, 11:23:29 AM

well no wonder they TFI gets a bad rap and got relocated in later models.
Root Cause, the TFI doesn't mate to the Dizzy housing correctly. I just noticed this.

SO, I fill the gap with a piece of metal and let some of the metal stick out and catch air from oncoming turbulence from the engine fan.

should be ok, its got the electrolyte on all contact points and now I see the TFI metal backing is nice and snug on the full mating surface.

in my opinion, its apparent that no ones TFI's are touching 100% to the chassis of the dizzy if installed "as-designed".

btw, that's the new FoMoCo replacement pn, the ford shop said the heat sync inside bonding to the metal backing was increased on this rev.
I think they wasted their time, the problem is the position of the three terminals as they exist the plastic molding. they should be outboard more.

I also noticed that the intent was for the TFI to "seat deeper" up into the stator, there is a seal that is made if you fully set it.
in order for you to mount the tfi, you have to break the seat a little to get the mounting screws to align. A small chainsaw file to make the mounting holes oblong allowed me to achieve pushing the TFI all the way up into the stator.

Ignition TFI module , Hey Dizzy, I DONT FIT YOU !

Reply #1 – September 14, 2014, 02:57:41 PM

I heard it's the heat that kills them.

Ignition TFI module , Hey Dizzy, I DONT FIT YOU !

Reply #2 – September 14, 2014, 03:03:02 PM

Those new ones are from an aftermarket supplier Ford contracted to supply low volumes. I actually sent one back over our parts counter over the winter when I was putting my motor together. Very low quality, I wouldn't use one, your pics show why. They're cheesy. Try to find a better one in the aftermarket. A proper one fits tightly to both the dist housing and the connector. You should use a good thermal paste between them. I do a lot of PC work on the side, so I use Arctic Silver 5 just because it's good and I always have some.

Ignition TFI module , Hey Dizzy, I DONT FIT YOU !

Reply #3 – September 14, 2014, 03:47:39 PM

Quote from: jcassity;437984

Sorry for disturbing this topic, but what are those three switches in the bottom part of your door lock panel? I've never seen them.

PS: You have full PM box :)

Ignition TFI module , Hey Dizzy, I DONT FIT YOU !

Reply #4 – September 14, 2014, 04:19:34 PM

His and Her Memory seats
the computer for it is under the drivers seat, has a little red light on it when activated

Ignition TFI module , Hey Dizzy, I DONT FIT YOU !

Reply #5 – September 14, 2014, 04:22:43 PM

ok everyone,
usually I test my mods before hand before posting.... this one I did not test long enough apparently

I just now pulled into the driveway,put the car in park, loaded up the trash to take down to the end of the driveway and bammm!, the car shuts off.
I restart, it runs then it shuts off,, start again, it shuts off.

I remove the heat sync, put the old TFI back on, no issues........... then it hit me...........

I am drawing heat "TO" the TFI !!!

the dizzy housing and the metal plate on the TFI are aluminum.
The spacer / heat sync is steel..... stupid me.....

I have to draw heat "away" from the distributor housing,, LOL.

so apparently the remote mod is in the future, oh well, live and learn.

Ignition TFI module , Hey Dizzy, I DONT FIT YOU !

Reply #6 – September 14, 2014, 06:13:23 PM

Quote from: Trinom;438006

Sorry for disturbing this topic, but what are those three switches in the bottom part of your door lock panel? I've never seen them.

Quote from: jcassity;438007

His and Her Memory seats
the computer for it is under the drivers seat, has a little red light on it when activated

Yep, 2 position memory driver's seat, only car to get them was the '87 20th Anniversary Cougar. I believe this was also the only car to get heated front seats, although some brochures for the '85 Thunderbird shows them as an option, I've never seen one with them.

Ignition TFI module , Hey Dizzy, I DONT FIT YOU !

Reply #7 – September 14, 2014, 07:42:50 PM

Scott, pull some wiring off an 88up 3

Ignition TFI module , Hey Dizzy, I DONT FIT YOU !

Reply #8 – September 14, 2014, 08:16:27 PM

Here we go this is the only way to fix it. Other than a crank trigger stand alone. And COP coils

Use a PMD heat sync from a 6.5 chevy diesel. Mount the TFI module to it by drill and tapping the appropriate holes to mount it and fab up a harness. Use good wire and solder all connections and use electronic white heat sync paste between the module and heat sync. . Move it to a good air flow location away from heat and moisture and you are done with TFI issues. The stock remote units are better but my mod is the best by far. The heat sync is twice the size of the stock ford unit that is remote on newer cars. Also make sure you install a Push to start TFI module they are much better than non push start ones. And do not install a black one all TFI modules are not the same by any stretch of the imagination. The unit you posted was a defective run of modules with the pins in the wrong locations. We dealt with this mess with units purchased from the dealer. I am shocked they are still around. I sent all of them back to Ford. Jay did i send you a heat sync?? Might not have been you just checking. I sent one to someone some time back but can not remember who. By the way make sure your TUNE IS CORRECT. otherwise no TFI module will last. The tune is critical and must be spot on or the TFI will self destruct pr0nto. I have been doing it this way for many many years and it works GREAT> You know me by now been there and found the answer. Have a great evening guys.

Ignition TFI module , Hey Dizzy, I DONT FIT YOU !

Reply #9 – September 14, 2014, 09:02:41 PM

pls send me proof of the pn being a bad or possible recalled batch,, I need that sort of thing to approach the dealer.

You know why you returned all the ones you had, find out what caused you to return them for refund.

remote mod similar to yours coming soon, thanks!

I need that info!

Ignition TFI module , Hey Dizzy, I DONT FIT YOU !

Reply #10 – September 14, 2014, 09:13:01 PM

It has been a while and my dealer knew about it. He just replaced the units with good ones. Jay better use a good heat sync and check your tune. Trust me on this.

Ignition TFI module , Hey Dizzy, I DONT FIT YOU !

Reply #11 – September 14, 2014, 10:52:27 PM

So I had issues with my ign control module too! The car quit out on me on the side of the road. Checked for spark coming off the coil. Nothing. Got towed to a gas station. called a friend to drive me to Oreily' Bought a ign coil and ign control module. Swapped the control module first. Car still didnt start. Swapped out the coil. car starts.

Then about a month ago, driving the car for an hour. Long-ish road trip. Car cuts out. Let the car sit for a minute or two, starts back up. Drive a bit more. Cuts out again. Make it to my destination. And miraculously make it the hour back home. Call dad, he says those control modules are sensitive to heat. So I put back the orginal control module, cuz i kept it in the truck. Replaced it. No problems since.

My conclusion: The original one was FoMoCo, the replacement one quit on me. So from my experience, stay OEM

Ignition TFI module , Hey Dizzy, I DONT FIT YOU !

Reply #12 – September 15, 2014, 06:43:03 AM

Only problem the original OEM unit is not available any more. They are vendor-ed out now. So ford does not use the original vendor. Some say MEXICO ETC. Best bet is stand alone if you want the issue completely fixed. I have a bunch of original ones still left from years back. The carbed guys can use aftermarket Dizzies like the GM HEI, But the fuelie guys need the TFI. have a great day. Blue streak makes a good unit as i remember. And WELLS also from AZ. But if it is not remote mounted you are playing with fire. once again MAKE SURE YOUR TUNE IS SPOT ON. Otherwise it is dooms day for the TFI. And never use a NON PUSH START UNIT!!

Ignition TFI module , Hey Dizzy, I DONT FIT YOU !

Reply #13 – September 15, 2014, 10:01:35 AM

Is HEI like the Red MSD ignition boxes that ive seen on race cars? Usually mounted on the side of the fender?

Ignition TFI module , Hey Dizzy, I DONT FIT YOU !

Reply #14 – September 15, 2014, 07:27:22 PM

The HEI is a HIGH ENERGY IGNITION SYSTEM invented by GM and used in a tun of different cars, The system in my view is absolutely the best on the market for a stand alone system with a spinning cylinder firing order. Of course now waste spark and COP has replaced it and the new systems are light years better. HEI can only be used with a carb unfortunately. By the way a standard FORD magnetic pickup DIZZY can be fitted with a GM HEI module. I also do them on DODGES and any other dizzy that is magnetic pulse generated.

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Small-Block-Ford-289-302-HEI-Distributor,1692.html