HEI Swap ('72 1500): Parts List

[utee05]

Here is an image of the HEI I got.

I am curious about the wire connector it comes with and what I need to connect it to.

[utee05]

Here is a better pic of the cover

[Stocker]

Just a guess..... the black wire goes to a lug under a screw in the case so that must be ground. Red is most likely power (12vdc) which leaves the brown wire as a tach hookup.

[GASoline71]

That plug will plug in to the "neck" of the cap right behind the "BAT" and "TACH" hookups. It should be keyed to only go one way in the hole.

Gary

[utee05]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

That plug will plug in to the "neck" of the cap right behind the "BAT" and "TACH" hookups. It should be keyed to only go one way in the hole.

Gary

Ah, that makes sense. So I will just need to hook up the BAT wire to the distributor than. All clear now.

Now to get this bad boy installed. Just got my new engine harness from M&H but will need to change the HEI wire connection since it came with female bullet connection.

[utee05]

Actually I was looking at the wrong wire to plug into the HEI. Looks like I am all set, just need to install the harness and HEI. Will update if I have any issues during install but thanks everyone for their input.

[utee05]

Well I installed the distributor but the truck does not turn over. Timing is off. I get backfiring through the exhaust.

I have tried the method of putting a rag/finger in the hole of plug #1 but no luck. What I do is turn the key at the ignition switch and turn it till I see the rag pop out. Then I stop, take out the distributor and aim the rotor to plug #1. I try again and still the truck does not turn over.

I have read some info but still not sure what to do. Any helps or what tools I can get to help me get this figure out would be helpful.

[GMC66]

When the rag blows out, look at your timing tab. It should be close to 0...turn the motor manually until its showing 0 timing. Then install distributor.
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[terry b]

Get someone to help you. Remove number one spark plug. Front plug drivers side. Put thunb over the plug hole. Have friend in the cab just bump the starter untill it blowes your thumb out of the hole. Then roll the engine backward with a breaker bar on the crank bolt about 1/8 turn then back to top dead center. You can use a short stiff wire in the plug hole to feel the piston move up. Find the mark on the for top dead center. When you drop the distributer in you may have to line up oil pump drive on the bottom of the shaft by turning the oil pump with a long screw driver.

[utee05]

That seems to be my problem. I can find TDC but when I try to put the distributor in it does not seat when trying to aim at the rotor at plug #1. I will try turning the oil pump with a long screw driver to see if that will help it seat properly.

BTW, how do you turn the crank bolt 1/8 turn back? Won't that loosen the crank bolt?

[utee05]

For simplicity, can I just get a flywheel turner tool, turn then engine till the marks on the balancer line up to TDC and then try to aim the rotor at plug #1?

[joeysz06]

Haha I'm attempting the same thing right now the problem I encountered was my timing advance springs are worn so the weights were getting thrown around I picked up an msd. Took the old out rotor lined at number 2 when I put the new one in it moved towards cylinder 4. What do you recommend I do?
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[joeysz06]

Originally Posted by utee05

For simplicity, can I just get a flywheel turner tool, turn then engine till the marks on the balancer line up to TDC and then try to aim the rotor at plug #1?

You can check out you tube videos from msd help.
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[utee05]

I think I have realized some confusion on my part. I have been trying to point the rotor at the #1 plug hole instead of the #1 plug on the cap. Need to go back and do things again.

[joeysz06]

Originally Posted by utee05

I think I have realized some confusion on my part. I have been trying to point the rotor at the #1 plug hole instead of the #1 plug on the cap. Need to go back and do things again.

If your doing it alone I would pop for a compression whistle dileo. I was able to fire mine.
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[terry b]

So how did it work out for you? Dont worry about the crank bolt it should not come loose with the pressure you are putting on it it has never done it for me and i have done it many times. Check the fireing order when your done. Take your time and enjoy it. It will turn out good if you do.

[joeysz06]

Mine came out tittz next is a Saginaw no more floater
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[utee05]

Well mine didn't come out that good. At least I am progressing. It turns on but shuts off after if I let it idle. I'm going to attempt to take it to the shop down the road so they can get the timing situated.

Thanks all for your help with the install. Learned a lot.

[joeysz06]

Originally Posted by utee05

Well mine didn't come out that good. At least I am progressing. It turns on but shuts off after if I let it idle. I'm going to attempt to take it to the shop down the road so they can get the timing situated.

Thanks all for your help with the install. Learned a lot.

Do you have a timming gun?
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[utee05]

Nope no gun or anything to help with timing. I should have one for these types of occasions.

[utee05]

Well looks like I ended up having a vacuum leak. Got that sorted out.

Now looks like I need a new carb or one that is rebuilt. 2 of my valves are not functioning properly.

I'll start a new thread on this. Thanks all for help with the distributor.

[GASoline71]

You NEED a timing light.

You need to nail down the timing first before you diagnose any carb problems.

Gary

[utee05]

Yup I will get one when I start working on my carb. I started a new thread on my carb.

In regards to my carb the 2 of the plates are not opening properly but I have a thread going on this problem.