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Engine Replacing relays?

  • Thread starter Thread starter 91GTstroked
  • Start date Start date Oct 3, 2020

91GTstroked

15 Year Member
Jun 14, 2007
503
282
93
Oct 3, 2020
#1
  • Oct 3, 2020
  • #1
Hey guys,

I'm wondering if anyone has replaced the ECU and fuel pump relays? Just because of age or because they went bad?

Also if the ECU relay is faulty, what are the symptoms? Will it throw a code?

I have replacement relays for both. I did have my ECU repaired this summer because of some bad capacitors.

Thanks for the help.
 

Potomus Pete

I'm still waiting for the fully nude shots
5 Year Member
Mar 7, 2019
3,308
1,223
153
Sarasota Florida
Oct 3, 2020
#2
  • Oct 3, 2020
  • #2
I read that if they are good , then they are good. What do you think guys should we bother replacing these thing with cheap Advanced Auto relays , or leave them alone.
 
Reactions: 91GTstroked

7991LXnSHO

wanna catch the space herp
10 Year Member
Sep 1, 2010
7,387
2,745
194
Kearney, NE
Oct 4, 2020
#3
  • Oct 4, 2020
  • #3
Leave it alone or replace with Borg Warner or Echlin if NOS Motorcraft is out of stock.
 
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Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,249
17,932
224
Massachusetts
Oct 5, 2020
#4
  • Oct 5, 2020
  • #4
Relays either work, or they don't. And when they don't work, you'll know it.

Honestly, I have more faith in a 30 year old motorcraft relay than a modern replacement. I would track down a NOS relay from the 90's over a new one.

If you really want some reassurance, put together a little roadside repair kit with the various relays you think you would need, as well as a TFI module and the screwdriver to replace it. I have such a kit in my car, but I also have roadside assistance so i'll likely never use it
 
Reactions: 2000xp8, 91GTstroked, Blown88GT and 1 other person

91GTstroked

15 Year Member
Jun 14, 2007
503
282
93
Oct 6, 2020
#5
  • Oct 6, 2020
  • #5
Mustang5L5 said:
Relays either work, or they don't. And when they don't work, you'll know it.

Honestly, I have more faith in a 30 year old motorcraft relay than a modern replacement. I would track down a NOS relay from the 90's over a new one.

If you really want some reassurance, put together a little roadside repair kit with the various relays you think you would need, as well as a TFI module and the screwdriver to replace it. I have such a kit in my car, but I also have roadside assistance so i'll likely never use it
Click to expand...
Some solid advice. I have a tfi relocation kit, probably be easier to get to. I actually have a new tfi module, I need to install it to make sure it actually works.
 

Blown88GT

Founding Member
Nov 13, 1999
2,283
524
164
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Oct 6, 2020
#6
  • Oct 6, 2020
  • #6
91GTstroked said:
Some solid advice. I have a tfi relocation kit, probably be easier to get to. I actually have a new tfi module, I need to install it to make sure it actually works.
Click to expand...
I tried relocating it, but it didn't work. Something to do with the harness shielding. I attempted to figure it out, but with the newer TFI's, relocation is not necessary. Newer TFI's have an extended temperature range. The originals were pushed right to their limit.
 

91GTstroked

15 Year Member
Jun 14, 2007
503
282
93
Oct 6, 2020
#7
  • Oct 6, 2020
  • #7
Blown88GT said:
I tried relocating it, but it didn't work. Something to do with the harness shielding. I attempted to figure it out, but with the newer TFI's, relocation is not necessary. Newer TFI's have an extended temperature range. The originals were pushed right to their limit.
Click to expand...
My relocation kit works fine. Interesting you mentioned newer tfi modules being better. This is the first I've heard this. The Ford ones are now made in China. And I had a Ford one last year bad right out of the box. The one on my relocation kit looks ancient.
 

Blown88GT

Founding Member
Nov 13, 1999
2,283
524
164
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Oct 7, 2020
#8
  • Oct 7, 2020
  • #8
TFI history is here.

Ford TFI Module National Class Settlement

%
www.autosafety.org

"When its temperature goes above 257 degrees Fahrenheit, the module is likely to cut out and cause the vehicle to die on the road."
257 degF = 125 degC
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,249
17,932
224
Massachusetts
Oct 7, 2020
#9
  • Oct 7, 2020
  • #9
Is there any documentation that states newer TFIs have a higher temperature tolerance? That’s the first I’ve heard of it
 
Reactions: 91GTstroked

91GTstroked

15 Year Member
Jun 14, 2007
503
282
93
Oct 7, 2020
#10
  • Oct 7, 2020
  • #10
Blown88GT said:
TFI history is here.

Ford TFI Module National Class Settlement

%
www.autosafety.org

"When its temperature goes above 257 degrees Fahrenheit, the module is likely to cut out and cause the vehicle to die on the road."
257 degF = 125 degC
Click to expand...
Yes I'm familiar with all that. I put a heat gun on my tfi module while it's on the heat sink. It's mounted on passenger side fender. It stays plenty cool.

But like I mentioned before, I've never heard todays tfi modules being better. I actually think they are worse. See people posting about failed ones all the time. Even new out of the box duds.

Ford knows it was a bad design and later put tfi relocation setups on other models.
 

WhiteCobra95

10 Year Member
May 2, 2006
634
177
74
Oct 8, 2020
#11
  • Oct 8, 2020
  • #11
Have you guys had any experience with the Dyna Mod TFI modules from Performance Distributors? I remember reading about these in the mid 90's and how they pair up with their high energy coils. I always thought about going with their stuff if I ever need replacement ignition parts, but I haven't found much real-world feedback on the reliability of their parts. (I also like their distributors as potential replacements for when the Motorcraft supplies dry up.)

https://performancedistributors.com/product/5-0-dyna-module-86-93/
 

91GTstroked

15 Year Member
Jun 14, 2007
503
282
93
Oct 8, 2020
#12
  • Oct 8, 2020
  • #12
WhiteCobra95 said:
Have you guys had any experience with the Dyna Mod TFI modules from Performance Distributors? I remember reading about these in the mid 90's and how they pair up with their high energy coils. I always thought about going with their stuff if I ever need replacement ignition parts, but I haven't found much real-world feedback on the reliability of their parts. (I also like their distributors as potential replacements for when the Motorcraft supplies dry up.)

https://performancedistributors.com/product/5-0-dyna-module-86-93/
Click to expand...
I had one probably 20 years ago, worked then. I've heard recently some have had luck and others not.

I did buy there livewires and screaming demon coil.
 

Blown88GT

Founding Member
Nov 13, 1999
2,283
524
164
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Oct 11, 2020
#13
  • Oct 11, 2020
  • #13
91GTstroked said:
Yes I'm familiar with all that. I put a heat gun on my tfi module while it's on the heat sink. It's mounted on passenger side fender. It stays plenty cool.

But like I mentioned before, I've never heard todays tfi modules being better. I actually think they are worse. See people posting about failed ones all the time. Even new out of the box duds.

Ford knows it was a bad design and later put tfi relocation setups on other models.
Click to expand...
I didn't say "better". I said extended temperature range. How much is unknown but anything will help. 257 degF (125degC) is right at the limit of possible temps of the electronics. They also put almost no silicone grease on the back of the TFI. An even layer of silicone grease is likely all that is needed for efficient heat transfer.
 

Foxslider

im not that much of a idiot
Oct 25, 2019
543
156
53
Houston, TX
Oct 11, 2020
#14
  • Oct 11, 2020
  • #14
My PCM relay went out couple weeks ago. Was running fine, i was beating the out of my car just prior, drifting. Then i bet it heat soaked for its final time, and cut out as inwas heading home driving normal..

But this is what i found... Lol.

I lost all fuel, no prime and spark. I bought mine from LMR. Its been good so far.

Also, if your blinkers are slow, a new flasher relay will speed them right up. It did for mine.
 
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Blown88GT

Founding Member
Nov 13, 1999
2,283
524
164
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Oct 12, 2020
#15
  • Oct 12, 2020
  • #15
Water got into that relay. Fix the leak.
 
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