Orange 1977 Pinto

[Angie]

years ago i was on a forum/web site ford pinto. here is the build for ours if you want to see the pics of the thing. cheers

project "78starsky"

project "78starsky"

www.fordpinto.com

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Well, I'm almost ready to start working on it. Finally moved it to the lift. Need to get it running first before I lift it.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I've been dicking around for several weeks a few minutes at a time trying to get this to fire up. I think(hope) I've got it narrowed down to the control module. I ran across a thread where they use an HEI module in place e of the duraspark module. I went to the local parts store and bought one for C$55.00. For shits and giggles I asked about a duraspark module. I was floored (see what I did there...) when they dug one out for me! C$100.00... Not a bad price... But I stuck with the cheaper option because it doesn't need a resistor, and can use just about any coil including the tfi coil. I'll link the article I pulled the info from later.

So now I need to mount this thing. Dug around in my scrap aluminum pile for a piece big enough to work as a heat sink. Got that cut out and mounted the module with the provided thermal paste. While I was rooting around for screws I found a fan that I recently removed from some computer equipment. Mounted that too with screws I had kept years ago from some other computer and electronics dismantling I did. The ss screws had a metric 1.5 25 hex head. Happens that I have a kit bought at Radio Shack, again years ago, that has that exact size. That size makes about the same size hole as a sewing needle, which I figured out after jabbing myself with it.

I haven't figured out exactly how I'm mounting this to the fender yet, probably drill some holes thru and come from the wheel side with some self tappers. I'll let you know.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

This is the article for the HEI conversion.

Dirt cheap Ignition

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Some more pics from different angles.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I finally got it to fire. Not running yet but it's a positive. I have it hotwired thru a GM ignition module using this write up;

Dirt cheap Ignition

I put a small fan salvaged from some old UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). Runs on 12 volt.
This is a good option if your duraspark module has kicked the bucket.



https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/threads/1977-pinto.200460/

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Got it to run by turning up the idle screw. It sounds like it's missing but I had a couple low cylinders psi. Hopefully the pressure comes back with a bit of running. Now to get the charging system back together, test the radiator and system, and clean the fuel lines and tank. The old fuel looks like thinned diesel oil... black!

 

[Li'l Work Truck]

There is want - just sayin' - and it has me.

 

[bobbywalter]

the black goo.....is a headache.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

The bad;
I poured about a half gallon of old mixed gas into the tank. Nothing is getting pumped out.
Alternator is not charging.
Pumped 16lbs into the cooling system. There is a small leak somewhere.
The good.
It seems to be smoothing out. Revs up nice and smooth, no clouds of blue and it doesn't smell rich. My carb build seems good!
Rockauto has a 90 amp alternator for $100 to my door. Or I could get a 70amp today for $140. I'll get the Rockauto as I have a bunch of other stuff to get anyway and save on shipping. Including a new fuel pump.
Built a new battery ground as the old one was falling apart. Soldered in the old piece that bolts to the inner fender and covered it with hotmelt glue.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

$71 for a mechanical pump. Ouch! I'll look in my magic school bus for a electric pump. Pretty sure I have one somewhere...

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

The fan over the HEI stopped working. It was just an add on because I had it beside me when I put together the heat sink. I don't think I need it anyway but next time I have that off the fender I will replace it. Unfortunately the screws holding it on accessed from under. I should have bent the arm the opposite direction... oops... I got my 2 post lift working good enough that I feel comfortable being under it. Anyway I looked around under there. Drivers floor boards are pretty bad. The rust goes up the firewall by the outside seam. Not sure if I'll do a proper repair or red neck it. I'm strapped for time as I have to move this year and have a lot of treasure to sell or give away.... The fuel lines at the tank are easy to get to, that's a bonus. I'm used to the FI pumps accessed from the top. I'll disconnect and blow air up to the front to see if the line is clogged. If not then I'll put an electric pump in and see if I can pump out from the tank. I have some tank cleaner coming with "enzyme" action. We'll see how good that works.I'm not sure if the rear is a 6.5" or 8". If anyone can tell me from the tag? Pics below...