I've got an '89 f250 with 5.8L. It will crank and start when cold; however, If I drive it around the block and get it to operating temp and turn the engine off, it will crank but not start until the engine is completely cold again. I've changed the ignition control module (twice) and even a new full distributor. I've cleaned the IAC. I've changed the coolant temp sensor. The fuel pressure at the rail is around 40psi. Not sure where to look now?

 

The next time it will not start, remove a plug wire and check if you are getting any spark when cranking the engine over..

There are a few things that work together to produce spark. Among them are; signal from pick up coil in dist, ign module , coil and ECA.
You know you have fuel pressure, but to be sure,, check by removing any spark plug and looking if it is wet or dry.


Are you sure you installed the distributor correctly? Does it start OK with the new dist and cold engine? Need to know this first.
If you can get back to us with the info we can go from there, OK?

 

Thanks for the reply! Yes, it starts great when cold and runs fine. I'm sure the timing is out a little bit but it is smooth so it's not out much. I also changed the coil when I was changing the other parts. I will check for spark next time I get it to temp and reply. Thx again!

 

You could also carefully use a heat gun on the TFI ignition module which should be on the base of the distributor to attempt in duplicating the problem. Just don't melt it. You could also heat up the metal base on the distributor to see if the engine stalls. Use common sense with your heat gun.

The pickup coil in the distributor were notarious for intermittent failures. I am not one for shot gunning parts, since you are dealing with an intermittent problem, I would take a chance buying an OEM pickup coil if they are available and you have ruled out the ignition module.