I had a 95 5.0 Mustang that did a similar thing. Driving and then die and actually start again. It turned out to be the distributor pickup.
Lee, if you install an insulated jumper across the amp gauge terminals, the alternator voltage will be split, with one portion going across the meter and a second portion across the jumper. The meter deflection will also be lessened so the needle swings will be half or less, in proportion to the surface area of the jumper vs the meter..
For my jumper, instead of wire & crimped ends, I used a piece of 0.060"x 3/16" wide brass shim stock with two holes punched & shrink-wrap-insulated. The gauge readings are now inaccurate, but they were so jerky before, accuracy was 'relative' at best. The meter still indicates + or - readings so health of the alt can be seen Mod done in 1987- no problems yet.
Thanks, yes I'll add the solid jumper, then at least I know the connection is good.
@bosswrench thoughts on my jumper ? I made it from 3/8" strip of 1/16th brass and some insulation in the obvious area. I have some fresh rubber terminal covers coming. I think in the future I may well replace this with a Voltmeter anyway - the one from Hall.
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Lee, yours looks like mine except nicer! A voltmeter is about the same as the stock ammeter- not much info to be had, except that the alternator is making power.
ha ha thanks, yeah I was even thinking just put a couple of USB charging points in a chrome 52 mm gauge as it would be more useful...
Lee,
Did you get any of the old parts with your new car?????
IF so, you could put the old distributor back in place along with the original coil. You may actually notice a HP increase!!! Presuming these old pieces are original Ford parts....... Just saying.
Too many swap in too many new parts all at once and then can't figure out why things don't work as well as they did before all the new parts!!!
Good luck!
Steve
DuraSpark II has been working in thousands of station wagons world wide......
Thanks Steve, my investigations have not got that far yet and my feeling is that the issue is not ignition, but I'll keep on working through it. Winter now so not much can be done out there as it's cold and too wet to do any road testing.