it seems most of the time when i go to start my 86 with a 2.3, auto if that matters at all with a carb. when i turn the key to the start. it will start right up. but as soon as i bring the key to the run position its like i turned the engine off. takes 3-5 times before it will stay running. is there a dual pick up in the distributor ? or could it be the ignition switch or some thing else ?
I would still say it's your ignition switch. Classic example of one that is worn out. Your distributor has a "hall effect" sensor in it. It does not have a traditional "pick-up", but it is a sensor that sends an on-off-on signal to the computer. Power is supplied to the TFI module, hall effect sensor, computer, and all other computer-related items by the ignition switch. Sounds like the "run" position of the switch is failing, since it starts just fine, thus eliminating a failed relay of some sort. Since the ignition switch is a cheap part to replace, I would start there.
My 85 ranger did the exact same thing. It was a manual, so I was able to hold the key in START and release the clutch to disengage the starter motor. As soon as I would let go it died. It was the ignition switch on the ranger.
