TFI Module Relocation. Is it Necessary? Buy a kit?

[legitsmitty]

Howdy folks. I am new to this forum and fairly new to my 86 Ranger XL.

I Picked up my truck for $500 non-running and put a new battery and starter solenoid in and it fired right up.

Now I am pretty sure that my TFi module is overheating. I am sputtering out and dying after about 15 minutes of consistent engine running.
Yesterday and I made a small bag of ice and put it on the TFi and was able to start the truck back up and drive it around again actually. But not at peak performance. It was sputtering and still eventually died after about 20 minutes of driving.

The ice bag trick felt like a pretty good diagnosis of the problem. All the while, I got this truck for $500 and I've put about $500 into it. With it sitting at 236,000 miles I don't know if I feel so hot about spending another $200 on one of these TFI module relocation kits. I've heard of folks just swapping there TFI and leaving it mounted to the distributor and carrying on for a good while, but still eventually replacing the TFI again.

I've got a new TFi ordered from rockauto for $12. I am probably gonna just put it right in. But I'll be driving in fear knowing it could malfunction again soon.

I guess my question is, are these modules faulty when they get hot even if they are brand new? Or is the problem the eventual deterioration?

How many of us on here have actually done the TFI relocation vs just swapping the module when need be? For only $12, I'm thinking of just buying a back up module and keeping it in the glovebox with the removal tool. Otherwise, I'll probably try and build a relocation kit from scratch...I'm just not feeling confident about doing so.

Here's a photo of the truck just for fun:

 

[franklin2]

Like everything else, there is junk being made out there and they call it a replacement part. Some brand modules fail quicker than others.

Whatever you do, make sure you get some real heat sink grease. Not the clear stuff that some of the modules come with, but the white stuff. Clean all the old off the distributor pad, smear the new module up good and stick it on there.

The 2.9 reminds me of a small block chevy. The distributor is way back there where you can't see or reach to do anything.

Here's the good heat sink grease. https://www.amazon.com/Super-Lube-98003-Silicone-White/dp/B0044NI2M2?tag=959media-20

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I did have plans to gut a junk TFI and do the mod to move it to the fender on my own. Had no idea there were still kits available. Anyway, so far I’ve never moved one. Think my 88 is the only one with one on a distributor, my Choptop has a 4.0 now, my F-150 always had it on the fender and I believe the dump truck has it on the fender. I did pick up a few tools on clearance a couple years back so each truck with a TFI gets a tool and a spare. It’s usually not a problem though.

 

[franklin2]

I was looking up a "TFI relocation kit". They all were less than $100 that came up with google.

https://lmr.com/item/FF-423706B/mustang-fat-foxx-tfi-module-relocation-kit-86-93-423706b

McCully Racing Motors- We have exactly what your over-heated TFI Module Needs!

Our Ford TFI Relocator Kit will solve your ignition problems.

www.mccullyracingmotors.com

Home - FatFoxx

www.fatfoxx.com

 

[Curious Hound]

If I had one of those, i would definitely relocate. But it would be a home grown relocation kit. I wouldn't want to pay $100 for that.

Go to a local metal supplier or fab shop and ask for a small piece of 1/2" aluminum plate (ask if they have any "drops") to use as a heat sink. Mount it somewhere cool, extend the wiring and be done with it.

 

[gaz]

@legitsmitty

No, this is not a necessity but it is a prudent move ..)
After my first 2.9l ignition module failed, I bought 3, kept them in the glove box with the special tool.

Since then, I've gone to the wrecking yard and pulled the ignition setup from a 3.0l Aerostar. Make sure to get all the wiring, heatsink and shielding. It is attached to the passenger side fender. $15 well spent.
NOTE: the ignition module for the 3.0l is not the same as the 2.9l and should not be used in it, the wiring, shielding and heatsink work great ..)

Gotta luv a Regular cab long bed 1$t Gen

 

[SenorNoob]

I would think a large enough computer CPU cooler would be awesome. Could even keep the fan if you wanted.

 

[franklin2]

Just make sure if you are making your own extension wiring, that you use shielded wire and the shield is grounded only on the distributor end.

 

[Cees Klumper]

My Bronco II has almost 250K miles on it, 20K from me driving, and (Motorcraft, not aftermarket) TFI module is on the distributor, with proper heatsink paste. Yes the TFI module is not the original one from when it left the factory, but the truck has made it this far so it's not critical to relocate the TFI module. Better to relocate it I'm sure, but it's not like the TFI is likely to fail every 10K miles if you don't.