how is distributor related to charging system???

[72K10]

It's the same sad story for me. I fix one thing and another problem immediately pops up.

Lately, the engine's been missing under load. I replaced the plug wires and checked the plugs. Began to take it out for a ride, and the engine died. Wouldn't start. No juice to plugs. 10-12 volts entering the HEI, nothing coming out. This isn't the first time this has happened. I've replaced the module twice, which seemed to cure it each time, and another time I just wiggled wires at the HEI and got it running.

But since it died again - with no juice to plugs - I decided to replace the entire distributor. Did that tonight.

Cranked it up. Ran well for a minute, then I saw / heard a spark from near the battery. The fuse link blew, then the engine ran rough. I turned it off.

I replaced the fuse link with straight wire. Started engine. Ran great. Then battery begins to boil. Check volts at battery. Pegged at 20 volts or so. I guess the original fuse blew for a reason.

Normally, I'd just guess that the regulator went south. But it's a fairly new Napa regulator, and a new alternator, and a new battery. And I had no charging problems before I replaced the distributor. Just that miss under load.

It would seem to me that changing the distributor (went from Summit hi-performance to a straight NAPA) shouldn't cause electrical problems, but I can't help but suspect something.

Anyone have any ideas?? Thanks.

Chris