Need help with '95 Ford 5.0 BID Ignition

34_South

Cadet
Joined
Jun 15, 2009
Messages
12
Getting the boat ready for summer, the engine will crank but not start, (I suspect most likely due to very weak spark)

This past winter, I had a lot of water inside the boat due to a leaky tarp. So much so that I had to replace the starter. The whole engine was covered in condensation, with a lot of mold everywhere - even on the engine!

Note that this is a 1995 OMC/Volvo Ford 302, with the Prestolite BID module inside the distributor. Here is the troubleshooting that I have done so far:

1. Ensured both batteries fully charged.
2. Checked power on kill switch - ok.
3. Checked + on coil - measured 11V.
4. Checked distributor cap and rotor - all clean.
5. Pulled center HT lead at distributor, and checked for spark while cranking - very weak.
6. Placed a test lead from +12V battery directly to + on coil - spark still weak.
7. Replaced coil, and center HT lead - no change.
8. Cleaned all ground connections at battery and engine block - no change.
9. Pulled gray Tach lead off coil - no change.

At this time I have run out of options, and am leaning to believe that the BID ignition module could be bad. Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
 
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