Problems figuring it out.

I have been having problems with my 1974 Ford Econoline 200. It has a 302 ci, auto trans.
Problem #1 ) When driving. The trans shifts gears from 1st to 2nd at about 40 miles per hour. (should be about 25 to 35).

Problem #2 ) When driving the van cut out on me and just died. It started right back up with out a problem. I was accelerating at the time and she just died. I have changed the fuel pump, changed any rubber (neoprium) hoses, new fuel filter, cleaned out the gas tank, repaired it as well, changed the pickup filter, changed the carberator, and blew out the lines. When I step on it it goes. Just with no warning died out. I checked the timing and it is ok. Next thing I am going to do is pull all the plugs. Change them all. Check the wires for continuity, check the cap, router, condenser. After this, I do not know where to go if it still is occuring. Any ideas anyone?

I'm no expert, but I'm thinking it's related. There might be a problem with the vacuum hose going to the modulator valve on the tranny, a problem with the modulator, or maybe needs a new tranny filter and fluid. I might be talking out my arse, but the tranny at a high speed might prevent the engine from accelerating, throw off the timing advance just enough... what you're experiencing between first and second might be what's happening at speed. Does it only do it when you floor it in gear? If so, I'd suspect that the tranny issue is the whole problem. Hope that helps.

I took it for a drive around the city today. Didn't act up at all. Then I took it to the back roads at normal speeds. Still no problems Then I took it up to 50 miles/hour. As soon as I let off the gas it died right out. It did start right back up. Drove it again at normal speeds, no problems. Took it back up to 50 again. Same problem. As soon as I took my foot off the gas and tried to put it back on, it died again. When it dies, I have nothing. I have to re-start the van. When I re-start the van it starts right back up.

You talk of a breaker plate. What exactly is that? ( a pic would help greatly)

Great explanation and quick photo response! I was wondering the same, as I've only had HEI distributors in my vehicles, UNTIL NOW... I'll have a lot to learn! Thanx!

Corey

Like Donivan says about the wires breaking ,, I had a 78 ford p\u HEI the wires to the module were broken inside the insulation.

Ok, now I see. Thanks for the discription. Now, I can (hopefully) fix the problem. I'll look into it (when I have time). This weekend is my daughters 16th b-day (a big thing for her now. wait till she gets older haha). In july I am hoping to get caught up on all my automotive repairs. Get the 73 econoline running (needs tuneup, a coil, plugs etc). Been sitting for some time. Clean it all up. Get lines on my daughters van, get my 67 comet all cleaned up (been in a barn for the winter). Many things to do when Chrysler is on shut down here in Windsor. I am just hoping these do not take me the hole 2 weeks to do. Well, will let you know how it comes out. thanks again.