TFI This thing just Goes Bad w/out notice

[Fred Z]

Just a helpful suggestion and maybe someone has an answer as to why!
Driving the other day down to work and all of a sudden.....gone was my power! There was no warning , not a hint of an issue, but the car just died! I have had it happen 3 times in 5 years w the car. This TFI module just has a mind of its own. I understand it just is part if the deal, that there is no way to solve the potential for it going out. Is this 100% true?
Regardless, I am carrying one from now on w a sharpie, Allen wrench and call it my TFI emergency kit
The real issue isn't the replacement, but where and when the darn thing goes out! Imagine, 405 fwy at 75 , fast lane, and heavy traffic? Goes out, you are screwed!
Keep it in mind, is all I am suggesting.

Fred z

[Dwight]

where is your TFI mounted? Is it a Ford unit?

Dwight

[Fred Z]

It is a Ford Windsor and it is mounted in the left front with the distributor.
I think the issue may be to get a Ford unit vs the aftermarket options. I am not sure which one we are currently using, but I have been told the Ford TFI is much more reliable.
I do not know this myself, but makes sense.

[Dwight]

I had a missing problem at high rpms and did a lot of research. I found a lot of Ford TFI failures. There was a class action lawsuit that cost Ford Millions of dollars in Ca.

Ford mounted the TFI on their 80's - 90's model cars / trucks on the distributor as a heat sink. The problem was to much heat from the motor transferred to the TFI causing failure.

They moved the TFI to the fender (other places on different vehicle) and mounted it on a aluminum finned heat sink.

I found a small Ford in a junk yard with one and installed it on my Cobra. You have to cut part of the fins out because of the different's in the TFIs.
I had to extend the four wires from the distributor location to the firewall where I mounted my new heat sink.
So far so good.

Dwight

One of the many links I found when I Google Ford TFI failure.


Ford TFI Ignition Control Modules - FSB Forums

[VintageUpgrades]

Fred, every Mass Flo system we do gets the TFI relocated to a heatsink away from the engine. Dwight's fix works.

[Fred Z]

Yes, I get it now. I spoke with my wrencher and we are going to do exactly
that. I hate being that vulnerable and it IS being vulnerable.
thanks guys, you always rock!

[Blas]

I found this if it helps:

"...the TFI module is called a Thick Film Ignition module, what this does is control the spark output to your distributor. It was a huge recall on alot of ford vehicles because they used to be located directly on the distributor where most of the engine heat is, hence why it is now near your air filter. What would happen to these modules is the film inside would dry out causing condensation to get on the controls and short the module out causing complete power loss of power breaks, power steering and the like..."

[Dwight]

I was at the shop today so I took a couple of pictures of the TFI. I pulled it out so you can see the heat sink.

Note where I had to cut the fins so I could land the wires onto the module. The module that came with the heat sink mounts thru the back and ours thru the side.

Dwight

[olddog]

I have done the same heat sink move the Dwight did. After driving in rush hour traffic on a 95 F day, I can touch the module / heat sink and it is ambient temp. Touch the distributor and it will burn you.

*** Important ***
The wires that you use to go from the TFI to the distributor pick up switch needs to be shielded.

[Jaydee]

The same issue would happen to the transformer style coil mounted on the side of the engine. vibration and heat would kill them. My all time favorite coil, is the accel super square coil. Lots of oil and very efficient.
JD

[Fred Z]

Just got the MotorCraft style TFI's and can solve the issue now. Will also be moving as recommended here, and thanks to all you boys for the help. I appreciate it.
thread over
fred z