66 late model 350 HEI ign HELP!!

[CaptHutch66]

Hey guys, been burning up the road in the 66 w/no problems.....until today in rush hour traffic on a 4 lane! Noticed an unusual smell (smelled like flourescent light ballast shorted out) when I parked...looked under the hood and didn't notice anything. Got in an hour later started fine took off, went 4 blocks and stopped at a red light. While sitting at the light it just cut off.....no spittn or sputterin just quit! Turns over fine, lights work fine, no sign of burnt wires (not that kind of smell) etc...just won't fire up. Had to get a tow and dropped off at the motherinlaws. I'll have to go back with my tools and wanted to see what kinda thoughts everyone had as to where to start and what to take w/me. Thanks again, Hutch

[onequickchevy]

Check for fuel and spark. I had an 85 that would eat an HEI module about once a year. I just kept a spare in the glove box. Could also be as simple as the HEI came unplugged, especially if you used a female spade connector instead of the factory plug that clips on. My 63 on the other hand would run down the road fine until it got to operating temp and would vapor lock. Electric fuel pump and insulation took care of that one. Good luck!

[CaptHutch66]

Thanks quickchev, yeah HEI still plugged in (checked it 1st)..buddy asked about gas....hmmmmm... I was at the firestation last night and it could of have been siphoned while i was there...boy I'd be pissed if that was it! The smell is what has me stumped! I've got a lot of kin livin in Marianna FL. Hutch

[dallas71]

Control Module....the reason it starts after it sits is that the control module cools....then after a period of time it will heat up and then fail again.....had this happen...drove me crazy....btw....buy 2 of them to have a spare!!!!

[jocko]

i'll pile on the module vote - similar symptoms to yours happened to me with an HEI, incl the heat/cool cycle. That'd be my furst guess. But then again, on my own truck, first guess is usually wrong (and expensive). Good luck.

[fleetsidelarry]

After driving mine for a couple of years I had an alternator that started overcharging and cooked the HEI module. If it turns out to be the module, you might want to check your alternator voltage output. I too carry spare parts now for the distributor. Actually, since you can get a complete distributor from Skip White in Tennessee for under $50 bucks just carry a spare, thats what I used to do until I used the spare in another vehicle.

[bama63]

ditto on the module

[fryer1979]

I'm with the module crew as well. Sounds pretty much identical to what happened when my '79 Camaro killed it's 30 year old one. Double check your fuel pump presure, as well as make sure the fuel filter is in good order. If those two are ok, then I'm all in on the module. Just make sure you get a good ground (use the dielectric grease supplied) when you instal it, a bad one will usually fry the module immediately.

[CaptHutch66]

Thanks guys. This was exactly what I was looking for! Thats why this forum is one of the best sources for information on the net! Thanks for all the Help! I'm going to pick-up a module, coil and take a jumper wire when I get off Sat morning and see if I can get "BigDaddy" back home. I'm gonna run a jumper from the batt to the HEI first and make sure I don't have an ignition switch problem (burning smell) first. If that ain't it I'm going to the module next. Thanks again, Hutch