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1989.D-150.no spark

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Oct 9, 2024
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Syracuse
It's gotta be something simple because I can't find it. The wiring harness got raped around the steering column so I gutted one from a 90. The distributor was replaced before the harness was quieffed . Is there a difference?
 
Here's a little more information.
1) The 1990 was a 4 wheel drive. It ran before I stripped it.
2) I had replaced the distributor (1989) before I had swapped the harness
3) probably nothing but, the only wireing that I didn't connect is to the rear tail lights and signals.
I know I'm not the only one with this ignition issue so,any help would be much appreciated.
 
Start by checking for power at the coil and using a test light, check for a flashing light on the negative side while cranking
 
Do you have one of these?

1730730953332.png
 
Well, it's been a while since I've posted anything on this thread. I've finally thawed out and, I'm ready to attack this again.
This may seem like a stupid question but, is the amp meter on a bypass or is it still a main pathway for the ignition?
 
Ignition switch is still the main path. Start and run still apply. That's where I would start. Is it still using the 89 ECM?
 
No, the 89 had 2 connections, the 90 has 1. Also, the 89 is rwd and the 90 was 4wd.
Is there something about connecting and disconnecting it a few times for what IDK?
 
There is no memory in the 89 ECM that I know of. Simply disconnecting the battery let it sit and reconnecting will clear codes. Finding wiring diagrams for these are like pulling hens teeth.
Plus without a test can error codes are a pain of recording and counting pings to get a code. Being the ECM has been discontinued there will be no error codes till it runs again.
This is why most if the locals allow it simply rip it all out and replace with something that works.
 
It's a complete 90 harness including a 90 ECM . I'm not sure what you mean by ripping it out. I kinda did that and,replaced it ,from a running donor .
 
Guess I'm at more a loss here than you are. Not knowing with four wheel drive stuff that no longer reads at the ECU. I have been told separating off stuff no longer need is a royal pain. To much stuff tied together. No source of information on what actually takes place in the ECU doesn't help either.
With the advancements in EFI systems, plus the cost. I just don't see the advantage of reviving an old set in its ways old system. Plug and play or factory aggravation. But its your choice.
 
My thoughts exactly. By chance I found Elderbrock's website and, for what the price of a tbi was a few years ago, when I started this, I can get a direct port injection manifold,4bl throttle body, ecm and ,the distributor. Seems like a no brainer. I've been hoping someone would step up to the plate and market a complete package. This week, hopefully I can talk with a technician and get all the details.
 
If your truck already has EFI get a boost pump and hook the power in line with the factory pump. Factory pump will move the required fuel but the 38 psi needs to be boosted into the 60's psi range. Factory pump .will work something like a lift pump on a diesel.
That will save time and expense of finding an in tank pump or replacement of the tank.
 
I'm looking at a package from a company called Aces. Like Elderbrock,they too have a package that seems more complete and, cheaper.
I had planned on a Weiland dual plane with TBI and, a MDS ignition. That has been a major issue in not starting this upgrade. I'm not that well versed in matching parts. These are complete. Distributor, manifold, etc.
Both of the previous mentioned companies have medium rise and direct port injection. Will I loose bottom end with this type of manifold?
 
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