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1988 F-150 wiring problems

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Old Jul 15, 2020 | 05:56 PM
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keithm_102's Avatar
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Default 1988 F-150 wiring problems

Grandson was given a 1988 F-150 4x4. The engine has been replaced with what appears to be a 302. All the wires have been cut, you can see from the photos. Any suggestions on how to get this up and running.

Wires were grouped by color from previous owner

Not sure what this is or gets attached too.

302 engine, not sure of the year.
 
Old Jul 15, 2020 | 10:58 PM
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Welcome to the site

Early schematic info is limited, but you should be able to find one on the net or paper copy.. The official online we have access to only goes back to 92. So, some tracing and rework would be needed.
 
Old Jul 16, 2020 | 06:43 AM
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Maybe I might be able to offer some , GUIDANCE ??,.

Do you at least have a test light or volt meter to use?


To start, you need to know what has power with the key on , key off and what is ground.
Once you determine this , put a piece of masking tape on each wire labeling it HOT, HOT KEY ON, and Ground. Now you have some idea of what you have and where it should go next. Can you do this ?

Just about all wires should be controlled by the key on. But you still need to know exactly what you have .


To the best of your knowledge , did this vehicle ever run after they got loose in there?
 

Last edited by hanky; Jul 16, 2020 at 06:45 AM.
Old Jul 16, 2020 | 09:19 AM
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Default Thanks for the advice

Originally Posted by Hayapower
Welcome to the site

Early schematic info is limited, but you should be able to find one on the net or paper copy.. The official online we have access to only goes back to 92. So, some tracing and rework would be needed.
  • I have the grandson doing some research.
  • The engine cranks but won’t start. We followed Mr. Hanks advise and by tagging all the hot wires and ground. It appears to have a DuraSpark distributor with three wires that have been cut. Thanks for all the suggestions . By the way this is Joshua the grandson. Sorry if I have Mr. Hanks name wrong.
 

Last edited by keithm_102; Jul 16, 2020 at 03:20 PM.
Old Jul 16, 2020 | 06:32 PM
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Not a problem, you can call me anything you want, just not late for dinner ! lol
Could you please provide the 7th and 8th digit of your vehicle's VIN ?

It may or may not be helpful, but it appears someone took out a multi port fuel injected engine and stuck in a carbureted engine..
There would be a slight problem providing key on power to the coil depending on if the coil is designed to handle 12 volts all the time or just when starting after which some utilize a resistor in the wire to the coil after staring and dropping the voltage down to less than 12 volts.The problem comes in getting the signal from the dist to ground the coil (-) terminal and open the ground to provide the spark from the coil.
Can you maybe show a pix of \what the dist looks like inside? Both, rotor on and rotor off, thanks.
 
Old Jul 16, 2020 | 07:03 PM
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Can you see an ign module (4in X 5in with cooling fins) anywhere ?
 
Old Jul 16, 2020 | 07:10 PM
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If you type in on google, "Ford dura spark ign module" ,there are several diagrams that may apply. Don't know what you have and this may be more helpful.
 
Old Jul 17, 2020 | 10:22 AM
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Default Vin-Pic

Originally Posted by hanky
Not a problem, you can call me anything you want, just not late for dinner ! lol
Could you please provide the 7th and 8th digit of your vehicle's VIN ?

It may or may not be helpful, but it appears someone took out a multi port fuel injected engine and stuck in a carbureted engine..
There would be a slight problem providing key on power to the coil depending on if the coil is designed to handle 12 volts all the time or just when starting after which some utilize a resistor in the wire to the coil after staring and dropping the voltage down to less than 12 volts.The problem comes in getting the signal from the dist to ground the coil (-) terminal and open the ground to provide the spark from the coil.
Can you maybe show a pix of \what the dist looks like inside? Both, rotor on and rotor off, thanks.
As per your request, Vin #:1FTEF14NXJNA15545, pics of distributer. There is not any ignition module.


 
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