The stock one is a Far better quality one than they sell aftermarket. There are some nasty ones out there that just plain come dead on the box, Wells is one bad one, I think someone mentioned weiss too? Motorcraft is the good one.

One upgrade you can do to it is to ground the black wire to the battery. Stock this wire is the main circuit ground and it relies on the hold down foot of the distributor for it's connection. The plugs on it usually get filled with dielectric grease also.

 

can you still buy the motorcraft 12a199 ICM module? What does the D8FE mean as well as the AB?

Matt

 

It's a date code.
D means 70's, 8 is the year,
Module made in '78, FE is Ford Engineering.

You have heard of a 'C6' transmission, released in '66.
Same with 'C4', released in '64.
Since these were the only marking on the transmission case, people started referring to them by those numbers.

 

Why do you want to replace your ICM? Is the case just beat and corroded and you are looking to spiff up your engine compartment, or are you looking for a performance upgrade?

 

I works just fine. Ground up restoration. I bought a painless wiring harness and have not installed the wiring yet. I was just thinking about replacing the ICM as well. But it sounds like I am better off keeping the original rather than a new one. Is that everyones suggestion? One of the tabs on the connectors snapped off which I dont think is a big deal and I am in the process of cleaning the unit up. I just wanted some options. No performance upgrades since it is difficult to deal with california emissions and changing things. What do those stamped numbers mean?

Matt

 

So Matt, did anyone ever answer your question. I have the same module in my '76 CJ-5 and I too am wondering what those letters mean. Also, I am in need of a vacumn advance for the distributor if anyone can help.
Thanks

 

Are you sure? Unless it was changed out, you should have a Prestolite ignition system.

 

The numbers on the module are exactly the same as Matt's - 'Motocraft D8FE 12A199 A B'
I'm sure this not the original ignition system for this vehicle but since I'm not the original owner I do not know what came before.

 

The D8FE 12A199 AB is a Ford engineering number. The D8FE is a 1978 design, the 12A199 is ign. module, the AB is second revision of the first design.

 

I also have a 79, but with the 259 and my DuraSpark box says Motorcraft. It is the original box and a good one, I did the Team Rush up grade with the Summit CDI box and have the stock system for back up. If you are going to change it, go better.

 

Thanks for the info gone2hatteras. Insight is always interesting.

 

Mine, exactly the same as others listed her (Motorcraft 12A199), is working but upon closer inspection noticed the build up and grime on it. My question is this... can I clean this one up (opposed to buying a new one) AND, if so, what do I clean it with? Degreaser?

Thanks!

 

Just try a little first, you don't want to use anything that will dissolve the compound in the back side. WD40 is a decent cleaner for electrical parts. I would be wanting to use a contact cleaner in the plugs, followed by a packing with dielectric grease.