Ignition Module Overheating?

[armadillon]

My setup:

1989 Ford Mustang LX
302 with Flex Fan
1.7 Roller Rockers
Long Tube Headers
U/D Pulleys
Smog Pump and AC Removed and EGR Water Tubes Blocked (Basic Emissions Removal)
3.73 Gears
Steeda-Short Throw

I'll be driving along driving along [sic] and my car will randomly die on me when I'm driving. Just BAM, motor shuts down . I turn it over and it's just not firing, so I figure it's not getting spark. So I change ignition coil, because I figure it can't be the solenoid since the starter is turning over. Changing ignition coil seemed to fix the problem, it started right back up. So I keep driving and bam, it shuts down again. I feel the ignition module, ya know, cuz it's the next in the line, and this thing is burning hot to the touch. I change it out with a junkyard part and that seemed to fix it for a while, but after 2 weeks the problem happens again. I buy a new ignition module from AutoZone and switch it out, fixes the problem again for another DAY or so.

So the problem is still there, and when I took both the junkyard part and the OEM into the Zone and got them tested, they both failed after running the tests on them about 4 times over (the tester gets the module pretty hot).

Also, I changed plug wires out (not like that really matters a whole lot) last weekend.




I guess the dang thing is overheating, but I have no idea how to fix this. I can't keep spending $40.04 on new ignition modules, any ideas from you guys? I've changed the coil, the module, and the wires.

 

[armadillon]

EDIT: It seems usually when the car is driven at night (NOT on a hot afternoon) it seems to be almost fine. Temp stays at around 150 for the engine. During hotter days it might go up to 170 or 180, and the chances of it dying increase, but not a guarantee.

 

[stang&2Birds]

For the TFI, TPS, and IAB/IAC buy **FORD ONLY**! All of the other parts are junk!

When you install the TFI, use ~500 grit sand paper and clean off the heat sink portion of the TFI *and* the distributor. Then, use HEAT SINK GREASE (*NOT* dielectric grease!) on the back of the TFI and on the distributor. Many parts stores carry heat sink grease (again NOT dielectric grease!), so does Radio Shack, CompUSA, and maybe BestBuy.

With a *FORD* TFI, heat sink grease, and a *clean* surface on the TFI and distributor, you should be all set for a while (~10->20 years).

If can't find heat sink grease locally, or don't have the time to go search, buy it on line from just about any computer place. Also, get it from tigerdirect, newegg, digikey (#1 electronic supplier with super fast shipping - often same day!), etc.

BTW: Digikey rules! They've come through for me many times in the past 10+ years.

 

[91foxbod50]

When you turn the ignition on do you hear the fuel pump prime? Just wondering because i have the same problem. I havent had any time to mess with it. But alone the way i replaced the ign module and fuel pump. I noticed while checkin wires that the yellow wire for the Ignition switch had a burnt up fusible link. i havent had anytime to mess with it. But will try today. my point is check the wireing starter relay/ign switch