Happy New Years and ignition wiring questions

[dirtymac]

Happy New Years everyone!

I'm ready to start tackling some of the wiring issues under the hood of my truck ('82 F-250 6.6L).  A lot of the wires, especially for the ignition are cracked, partially bare, or showing signs of corrosion.  I found some of the electrical resources on the forum but have not had the chance to identify the actual plugs needed.  I'm concerned about unplugging anything due to the condition of the existing wires and plugs.  I don't break anything I can't easily fix.

I have found some things at LMC but not everything.  I've considered the junkyard but our local options are slim and I'm not sure the condition would be much better.  Are there any other good resources?

[BigBrother-84]

Did you try Bronco Graveyard, or Dennis Carpenter?

If you're looking for some connectors, surprisingly, I was able to get some replacement at my local NAPA.  For example, the two ignition module connectors, and the distributor connector too.

[grumpin]

You can look through this catalog. Try and find a close dealer for shipping speed and cost.

https://www.picowiring.com/catalog.html

[ArdWrknTrk]

The DS-II distributor connector (OR/PL/BK) is problematic, and the only harness ignition connector not readily available.
I've said before that you can use another 4 pin connector if you are willing to remove the 'key' from the plastic shell.

Painless wiring has a dura-spark 'kit' that is stupid expensive for what it is.

Motorcraft pigtails can also be expensive but if you just get the numbers from the catalog here on site and search those on eBay they do turn up at reasonable cost.

Like Dane said, a lot of these can be had in the NAPA Echlin line or even SMP.
Pico used to offer a bunch too, like headlamp switch sockets or the regulator and static connectors for 3G upgrade.

[BigBrother-84]

I had my DS-II distributor connector cracked.  If it's your case too, I suggest to replace the whole stator assy.
Not a difficult job, and it forced me to make a good distributor cleanup.
If you go that way, be careful with the "pin".




Below the ignition module pigtails I changed for NAPA parts.

[ArdWrknTrk]

How does changing the distributor module change the harness connector?  

[BigBrother-84]

Not the whole harness, just the truck connectors.
My wires harness was in good shape, but the end connectors were cracked and really fragile.

Nothing to see with the module itself.

With good waterproof sealed cramps, it did a clean job.

Sorry Jim, I know my english isn't always accurate.

[ArdWrknTrk]

I'm not talking about the module connectors, I'm talking about the harness connector that attaches to the distributor.

Does NAPA have that connector (maybe I missed it?)
Do you have a part number for that particular connector?

[85lebaront2]

Jim, I do not have NAPA PNs, but do have these:
DSII 3 pin female WPT-601 Mototcraft, AUVECO 20841, Ford 3U2Z-145411-XXA
DSII 4 pin female AUVECO 20844

[ArdWrknTrk]

And which one fits the harness side of the distributor connector?

Like I said, you can use one of the DS connectors if you remove the plastic 'key', but other than Painful I don't know anyone who sells that one connector.

[dirtymac]

I think I found some of the connectors at NAPA but they're actually not much cheaper than the pre-built harness you linked to.

I think Ill have to spend some time cleaning the connectors to see if they have part numbers on them.  I'm just trying to avoid breaking anything because almost all of it is brittle.

[ArdWrknTrk]

The tabs especially!
I have to admit I have more than one zip tie in my harness.  

[dirtymac]

I will throw this in here as well.  My ignition coil has an additional part wired in with it that looks like an old condenser coil.  I haven't seen this in any of my research and I'm not sure what it is.  None of the coil harnesses I have found have the extra wires shown for this setup.

The pictures may also give you some indication of the condition of the wiring.

[grumpin]

I do believe that condensor looking thing is a noise suppressor.

Yeah, too bad the wiring is in that condition.

[ArdWrknTrk]

The condenser is stock.
As Dane said 'radio noise capacitor'
Highlighted on the lower right.

[dirtymac]

Thank you!

[dirtymac]

Thanks Jim.  That diagram helps a lot.

What do you think about a newer coil with built-in noise suppression?  Would the condenser still be necessary?

[ArdWrknTrk]

I'm really not familiar with ignition coils that have noise suppression built in.

Most plug wires today have suppression built in.

You can always try it without.
Probably shouldn't make a huge difference unless you like listening to AM radio.

Not a big deal to add it after the fact.
I know I did on my truck.

[dirtymac]

I can't say that I listen to a lot of AM radio.  I definitely listen to the FM radio.  My stock tape-deck is broken so it's either FM or road noise.

I think I'll add the coil to my todo list.  I can't say if the condenser is even working -- the wire is pretty messed up and the connector is melted and charred.  I'll try it without and if it gives me any trouble I can test the condenser with it.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Which connectors do you need?

You can get decent ones pretty cheap.
IIRC I was able to put together a DS-II harness: horseshoe, both module connectors and distributor for under $15 (modifying the one distributor socket) back on FTE.

There was a member from NH (pistonhonda?) That had spent a fortune on an aftermarket version of ChryslerDodge ignition and needed to back off the dwell because it was eating coils.