Overheated TFI module?

Brandon11010 · May 25, 2010

So i was wondering if any of you have experienced this issue, my TFI module on the distributor gets so hot you cant hold your finger on it, engine temp is normal 190. but the distrubutor and module are very very hot. So the problem iv had today is that while driving i drop cylinders, timing goes out the window, wont idle, misfires. Let car cool down for 30 min and it fires up and runs fine for about 15-20 min, then dies again and wont run. All the wiring pinpoint tests test okay, no excessive resistance, voltage or paths to ground, so i was leaning twords the module(have tried more than one module and having same issue)..i was thinking about making a mounting bracket and mouting the Module away from the distributor and running wires to the distributor. Has anyone had this issue?

BlownFiveLiter · May 25, 2010

It's a very common issue with the Foxes, to the point that Ford moved the TFI off of the distributor for the 94-95 models. I'm not sure what would be involved in doing the conversion, but I'm sure it's doable.

stang-geoff · May 25, 2010

Ford even had a class action lawsuit regarding the high failure rate tfi had because of the location of the module. Relocating it wouldn't be bad. The module is running hotter than everything else because it generates heat.

bullitstang1313 · May 25, 2010

I've ran into this problem too. I thought about remote mounting mine and running separate wires but decided not to. Instead, I put heat sink compound on the TFI module. I haven't had any problems since, but I also haven't driven the car very often so it could just be a coincidence.

BlackGT89 · May 25, 2010

I would definately get and install a new module, but you could try and reset your old module if you really think it's still good. At any rate, make sure you use the white paste heat sink compound provided (you could probably find new HS paste at Radio Shack if you really wanted to go that route). It works just like the heat sink on your computer CPU, just a matter of heat transfer. If you are not getting good heat transfer it can't disperse the heat and cool off as well.

Brandon11010 · May 25, 2010

Yea iv used plenty of di-electric grease, but it still fails on multiple modules. I even went so far as to buy a new MSD distributor and it blew out the module on that very shortly after i installed it.. so i guess ill get a new Motorcraft TFI module from work and maybe try my own re-location modification lol

BlackGT89 · May 25, 2010

You need to use the HS Compound (usually white) as opposed to the dialectric grease (usually clear, 2 different things).
Good luck !

Drews93fox · May 26, 2010

If you do relocate the tfi will you post pics? I have the same problem and was wondering if you could show how you do the relocate?

Thanks, Drew

Mustang5L5 · May 26, 2010

Use heat sink grease...not dielectric grease. They are different,

Also, buy a ford tfi off rock auto and not parts store junk

Brandon11010 · May 26, 2010

yea i bought a Motorcraft one from work $117 employee price lol ouch.. Heat sink grease huh? i was told this motorcraft dieelectric grease was what i should use.. can i get heatsink grease at the local parts store? I plan on doing a re-locate this weekend so im hoping it works out for now to get me to work, if i blow out that spendy motorcraft one ill be upset lol. Oh and if you looking to re-locate it i found a neat site that gave me some good ideas heres link: Remote Mount TFI Ignition Module

Mustang5L5 · May 26, 2010

Radio shack

Heat Sink Grease (6g) - RadioShack.com

Dielectric grease is for electrical connections to prevent arcing, you would use it on spark plugs or any other electrical contact.

Heat sink grease helps thermal transfer of heat. The plate the tfi is mounted to is designed to be a heat sink. The grease helps the heat transfer,

Mindseye007 · Apr 19, 2023

Mustang5L5 said:
Use heat sink grease...not dielectric grease. They are different,

Also, buy a ford tfi off rock auto and not parts store junk

how about using Dow Corning 340 heat sink compound? instead of artic silver thermal paste for a CPU?

Mustang5L5 · Apr 20, 2023

That will work.

Mindseye007 · Apr 23, 2023

This one from Rock Auto Motocraft TFI

More Information for MOTORCRAFT DY1284

or this TFI from Napa comes with a Warranty: Standard: 5 Years or 80,000 Kilometers

https://www.napacanada.com/en/p/UNITP31?impressionRank=6

2000xp8 · Apr 27, 2023

When it comes to ignition parts on a fox, OEM parts are always the goto choice.

Mindseye007 · Apr 27, 2023

2000xp8 said:
When it comes to ignition parts on a fox, OEM parts are always the goto choice.

check this out lol new OEM failed...

Overheated TFI module?

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