Electronic ignition module meltdown ?

[mustang2]

This was like this when we bought the car, so I don't know how or when this happened, we are just now getting to it in the restoration. The car does still start and run.
The coating on the back of the module is melted.
What would cause something like this to happen? Whatever caused this I will need to fix it. Anybody have any idea what would cause this?
Also anybody have any ideas on how to remove this from the engine bay? It's very gooey, I tried a putty knife, that don't work.

 

[dmoody]

Paint stripper would probably be your best bet. However I think a hot water pressure washer would work as well.

d

 

[jshcobra]

Someone probably left the key in the "on" position with the motor not running. I had that happen on a 79 Mustang but it was the wiring harness that burned. In this case, the wires proved stronger than the module.

 

[Wart]

Damn!

Is this a factory module?

I've seen several failed modules. The power transistor usually heats the resin to charring, discoloring or splitting, Never seen one melt.

 

[mustang2]

Is this a factory module?

It's a Motorcraft module. I have never seen anything like this before either.

jshcobra: That sounds like a pretty good assumption. I hope that's all it was anyway.

 

[77sleeper]

I had one do that as well, KOEO will do that, also heard rumor that the unit is a case ground. mine has not done that since I ran a case to chassis bond

 

[mustang2]

I had one do that as well, KOEO will do that, also heard rumor that the unit is a case ground. mine has not done that since I ran a case to chassis bond

What is a KOEO?

 

[zwhitr]

I had one like that the resin was very goey but didnt leak all over like that but I replaced it on site

now I am runnin the MSD 6AL

with another duraspark mod on back up

 

[dastang2]

i have seen that as well on a 77 flatbed truck with a 460, they get old and stuff happens

 

[cobraii74x]

KOEO... maybe it means key on.. engine off.. I dunno.. but there was the remnance of that in my friends turbo coupe as well

 

[77sleeper]

KOEO... maybe it means key on.. engine off.

yup sorry

 

[COBRA 7]

The control mod. starts the car with 12 v and it runs on 9 v.

Maybe the resistor wire under the dash had failed and someone rewired it to run all the time on 12 v.

 

[1970impala]

Damn, never seen that happen before!!! I have the original on my car and really don't trust it being so old so i bought another and stuck it in the toolbox that i take to shows with me just in case. You never know.

 

[Wart]

The control mod. starts the car with 12 v and it runs on 9 v.

Maybe the resistor wire under the dash had failed and someone rewired it to run all the time on 12 v.

A real possability.

 

[mustang2]

The control mod. starts the car with 12 v and it runs on 9 v.

Maybe the resistor wire under the dash had failed and someone rewired it to run all the time on 12 v.

Tell me more about this. Where is the resistor wire located under the dash? Where am I looking at if it might have been rewired. Where's the control modulator?
I'm sorry but I stink when it comes to electrical.
I appreciate any help.

On a side note, I checked all the wiring on the drivers side engine compartment and everything looks to be in good shape.

 

[Wart]

Tell me more about this. Where is the resistor wire located under the dash?

Good question. It would have to be in the loome between the switch and coil. All the coil power wires I've seen in IIs have been green with yellow stripe, start there and work back.

Where am I looking at if it might have been rewired.

Between the switch and coil.

Easy way is to measure the voltage at the coil. It should read 7 to 8.5 volts (+-) depending on year. Everything ignition must be plugged in.

On a side note, I checked all the wiring on the drivers side engine compartment and everything looks to be in good shape.

Funny things happen inside harnesses, I started taking one apart and found several wires had grown together.

 

[mustang2]

Thanks Wart, I'll start looking into it.

 

[Wart]

I got back into a manual ... gotta love manuals.

1 - 2 ohms for 73 to 76.
0.7 - 1.7 ohms for DuraSpark II through 77
1.05 - 1.15 for 78 and later.

DuraSpark 1 doesn't use a resistor wire.

DS1 also shuts down coil current if the modulator senses the engine isn't running. Easily explains how a II box in a 1 car could cause a module melt down if KOEO.

DS1 was used in Cali cars, but not all of them.

Working on the ignition isn't too difficult, once you know exactly which system your working on.