5.0 EFI/HO swap questions

[dotcentral]

Randyr, I need to make a check engine light to install in the dash.

I added a ground, as one time the starter solenoid acted like it wasn't grounding well. Still only turns over. I'm getting no spark, but my voltmeter shows voltage at and coming out of the TFI module. Maybe a bad plug wire from distributor to coil? The plug wires are brand new, name brand wires, but I'll have to check it for continuity I guess.

[Toyz]

If you have the early (gray) TFI module, I believe it requires a resistor in line to the computer from the "I" terminal of the solenoid. I'm a little hazy on the details, since my EECIV's now run external controllers. I am not immediately sure if the lack of this wire and resistor would result in a no-fire situation, but I am certain it would affect driveability, since it helps control dwell and advance, IIRC. Later (black) modules operate differently, I believe.
Info and pin-outs should be readily available on-line.
Paul

[dotcentral]

I gave in and had the truck towed to a local hot rod shop a couple of friends recomended.

Wasn't cheap but I wasn't getting anywhere with it, and they got it running. Turns out I had two problems preventing it from starting. 1. Fuel pump wired in reverse. 2. igntion switch wired incorrectly. There were a few other things as well, like a couple loose fuel lines, lack of a PVC system, that they fixed that I would have caught if I actually got it to fire. Thought I wired my fuel pump per the Walbro diagram, but guess not. Ignition switch, well... a friend helped me with that and we did the best we could using the RJM instructions and my 71 Ford truck shop manuals.

Now, I need to get the exhaust re-plumbed, fix some trans leaks, and work on a bunch of smaller things.

[randyr]

I gave in and had the truck towed to a local hot rod shop a couple of friends recomended.

Wasn't cheap but I wasn't getting anywhere with it, and they got it running. Turns out I had two problems preventing it from starting. 1. Fuel pump wired in reverse. 2. igntion switch wired incorrectly. There were a few other things as well, like a couple loose fuel lines, lack of a PVC system, that they fixed that I would have caught if I actually got it to fire. Thought I wired my fuel pump per the Walbro diagram, but guess not. Ignition switch, well... a friend helped me with that and we did the best we could using the RJM instructions and my 71 Ford truck shop manuals.

Now, I need to get the exhaust re-plumbed, fix some trans leaks, and work on a bunch of smaller things.

Congrats, Tim! That's exciting to get running! I'm in the middle of my swap now. I'll definitely double check my fuel pump wiring! Looking forward to seeing more pics as you progress!

Randy

[dotcentral]

Well, after a few more difficulties, drove the truck home today. Sounds pretty decent, have 2.5" duals, generic turbo mufflers with "H" pipe, exiting in front of rear tires. Sounds a bit meaner than it really is. This truck has always rode nice, might be due to the extended spring with "Flexomatic" setup. See this link, pages "6 & 7. http://www.fordification.com/library/ma ... temId=2427

Took several hours of me and my neighbor searching the net, but found someone on a T-Bird forum that bypassed the smog & a/c and shared their belt length, 85". I could only get a store brand in this size, put it on, and within 2 minutes threw the belt. Bought a 84.5" belt at a different store, and noticed the power steering pulley was not lining up. I previously replaced the pump with a chain store pump, as a line fitting had broken off the plastic reservoir, then pressed on the original pulley. Blamed myself for somehow not pressing the pulley on enough. Borrowed a pulley puller/press tool, pressed the pulley to that right depth, started it up and watched the pulley start creeping forward again. This was the original Ford p/s pulley, looks in good shape. For the time being i used a 3/8" bolt, washer, and red loctite and finally the pulley stays put, no more horrible noises of belts trying to come off. Will have to get a better repair before everyday driving.

TV cable attachment. I bought the Ford plastic clip for TV cable end to TB linkage. Unbeknownest to me, the mechanic that has helped me used a rubber grommet and an "E" clip to attach the TV cable. it does have a small bit of give in it, due to the rubber. I drove it home with this setup, using Drive, not O/D - pretty loud due to 3.73 rear gear. I think I will switch to the Ford clip but save this in a repair kit incase a road side repair is needed.

Plenty of stuff still ahead to get the truck roadworthy. Got some minor (I think/hope) leaks (ATF, Oil, coolant) to track down and repair or minimize. Steering is touchy. Not sure if it is the wide tires, alignment issues, worn and/or poorly adjusted steering gear box or some combination of those 3. And all sorts of miscellaneous stuff from putting something that hasn't moved in 12+ months back on the road. I bought a code checker, so need to pull codes.

Future plans include a junkyard E-fan (Taurus, Dodge Intrepid, or similar dual fan), a/c using a underdash system, stereo, insulate the cab using a variety of low buck methods, and put the interior back in. If I can't get the steering where I feel comfortable with it, I will switch back to manual steering and get a stock 17" steering wheel back on it. If that happens I will try to mount the a/c compresor in the p/s location.

[Toyz]

It's been a long road, but it sounds like you've got it under control now! Congrats, and enjoy it!
Paul