HELP, HEI not dropping (all the way) in! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

sactoC10 · 02-12-2005, 04:26 PM

OK, in the middle of this and it is stopping about 1/2" from getting all the way in...any ideas?

And, while at this...how do I know which cap wire is #1 when I do (hopefully) finally get it into place?

First question is obviously most important!!!

Dean23 · 02-12-2005, 04:31 PM

it sounds like the oil pump shaft is out of positon. turn it a bit to get the dizzy too fall in

sactoC10 · 02-12-2005, 04:44 PM

OK, I'll try that. BUT... I can put the old one back in and out withoout any problem, just can't get the new HEI one in. Seems like it is "hangin up" somewhere, but can't figure out where.

sactoC10 · 02-12-2005, 05:14 PM

OK, it's in! Now...which point on the distributor is #1 for plug wire #1, or does it matter?

Tx Firefighter · 02-12-2005, 05:24 PM

It's where the rotor is pointing when your engine is on number one compression TDC. Every engine can be different depending on where the distributor is installed.

thisolechevy · 02-12-2005, 11:04 PM

once you get your motor to TDC look at where your rotor is pointing and then on the cap place the plug wire it is pointing to on your number 1 piston and then down the line of firing order.

gmc67swb · 02-13-2005, 12:02 AM

That's a good question. From the factory, which terminal is the #1 plug wire on? Is it the one next to the box shapped piece where the tach and batt are connected or is it one more clockwise? I realize it could be either or even further around for that matter, but where was it originally?

SB_in_SC · 02-13-2005, 12:18 AM

TDC is the best way to go. The rotor tells you where it is. Just make sure you're not 180 degrees off. Some dist. will let you put the rotor on either way.After that, its just 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2!! CLockwise, of course.

Tx Firefighter · 02-13-2005, 01:00 AM

I clicked this picture of an original GM plug wire retainer. If you look closely, you can see the factory numbers cast into the plastic.

This shows where number one was originally.

sactoC10 · 02-13-2005, 02:22 AM

Everything eventually worked out fine for me today. First try, without being certain where the #1 piston was went rather poorly. Then found TDC with the number one piston, turning the engine. After that, re-attached plug wires and the truck fired right up.

Most frustrating part of the whole process was trying to find long enough plug wires! Pulled some from a couple different vehicles this morning at the salvage yard. I should have grabbed one of those factory GM HEI rings while there.

Now that I've done it, I understand why people say it is a "simple" drop in, but it took me most of the day, mostly due to efforts to arrange the plug wires as best possible. Yet, the first time doing this, alone, having never replaced a DIST before... it was not necessarily simple. Next time? Yes, then it would be simple.

If it weren't for this board, I'd probably have just replaced the coil and condenser. So thanks everyone for all the help!

OhioDan · 02-13-2005, 06:05 AM

As far as your plug wires, I just bought a set from NAPA. They're for a 1974 Corvette, 350 HP engine, w/HEI ign. No messing with cutting and crimping plug wires. They're pre-made and the fit is good. Have to get some clips from GMC Paul if you're running rams horn exhaust manifold so you can route them (below the manifolds) like original. Hope this helps?

Tx Firefighter · 02-13-2005, 08:28 AM

There must be a mistake somewhere. 74 Corvette did not have HEI, rather still had points. A 76 Corvette would be the one to ask for.

OLDROCK&ROLLER · 02-13-2005, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

There must be a mistake somewhere. 74 Corvette did not have HEI, rather still had points. A 76 Corvette would be the one to ask for.

Some 1974 chevrolets had HEI distributors. I rebuilt a 74 Impala that had factory HEI.

OhioDan · 02-13-2005, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

There must be a mistake somewhere. 74 Corvette did not have HEI, rather still had points. A 76 Corvette would be the one to ask for.

74 Corvette came with 2 different engines. 1 was standard 350 with points and 2 was High performance with HEI. NAPA guy found it for me. Here's the plug wire part number----->700254 8mm. Spark Plug Wire Set. That's a NAPA #.

Tx Firefighter · 02-13-2005, 09:49 AM

Well, I was referencing THIS thread where the guy bought 74 Vette plug wires and found them to be old style wires. It's just as easy to say 76 Vette to the parts guy and be sure you get the right wires you need. He had to order them too, so he had to wait awhile to find out he got the wrong wires.

gmc67swb · 02-13-2005, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

I clicked this picture of an original GM plug wire retainer. If you look closely, you can see the factory numbers cast into the plastic.

All these years running an HEI, and I've never had one of those rings! Seen them before but never looked at one close enough to see the numbers molded into it.

LONGHAIR · 02-13-2005, 10:25 AM

They (rings) were a factory installed thing. They really make for quick easy cap/rotor changes. It probaly made the job on the assembly line quicker too. That's really the only point I see to them. With the sparkplug style connectors, it isn't like they had trouble with them falling off or getting loose.

OhioDan · 02-13-2005, 10:44 AM

Didn't mean to get anyone PO'd, but I was just passing info I got from GMC Paul when I bought the plug wire clips. Sorry 'bout that.

Tx Firefighter · 02-13-2005, 02:23 PM

I'm not PO'd.

I did just take a whiff and I am BO'ed though.

sactoC10 · 02-13-2005, 07:58 PM

Went to a few different parts stores checking on those 76 Vette plug wires. Most were between $28-$38, but I want to run my wires into some looms around the outside of the ramshorn manifolds.

Instead of spending that money on one set of wires, I bought three sets at the Pick N Pull, (two that were nearly new) few other odds and ends, even found the stock HEI wire set up from a late 70's pickup...all for less than $30.

When I figure out exactly how I am going to route the plug wires, then I'll probably shell out the cash for a new set, or at least another set that will match one of the newer (yellow) ones I found yesterday.

By the end of the day, I was just glad that the truck would start up and GO! Guess some Caprices also have some long plug wires...just and FYI. Hey what's the deal with re-gapping the spark plugs now??????

Cat Fuzz · 02-13-2005, 08:01 PM

Those top hats for HEI are a major PITA when changing plug wires. I always toss 'em.

**VetteVet** · 02-13-2005, 09:14 PM

OK you guys ain't leaving me out of this one. My corvette black book lists all vettes from 1953 to 1980 and it says 1975 was the first year for HEI. My 74 convertible has points and a mechanical tach. I have never heard of a 74 with HEI from the factory and neither have any of my corvette buddies. There were three engines available for the 1974 model, L-48 195hp, L-82 250hp and the LS4 454 270hp. 74 was the last year for the big block and points ignition. It was also the last year for leaded gas non-catalytic
exhaust. It is always possible that a late 74 was produced with HEI but until I see a
written reference I have to believe there were none.
VV

02-12-2005, 04:31 PM	#2
Dean23 68cst_ss490 Join Date: May 2001 Location: edmonton,canada Posts: 1,363	it sounds like the oil pump shaft is out of positon. turn it a bit to get the dizzy too fall in __________________ Dean edmonton,canada a winter wonderland 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche LT cold air intake, performance exhaust, Comp cams cam, jba shorty ceramic headers. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3090973

02-12-2005, 04:44 PM	#3
sactoC10 71 DELUX Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Northern CA / Sac Posts: 1,056	OK, I'll try that. BUT... I can put the old one back in and out withoout any problem, just can't get the new HEI one in. Seems like it is "hangin up" somewhere, but can't figure out where. __________________ 5/4 drop LWB wood bed - 15x8 front 235/60 - 15x10 rear 295/50 2003 FORD Escape 1998 Honda VTR1000

02-12-2005, 05:14 PM	#4
sactoC10 71 DELUX Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Northern CA / Sac Posts: 1,056	Yowsa! Yowsa! Yowsa! OK, it's in! Now...which point on the distributor is #1 for plug wire #1, or does it matter? __________________ 5/4 drop LWB wood bed - 15x8 front 235/60 - 15x10 rear 295/50 2003 FORD Escape 1998 Honda VTR1000

02-12-2005, 05:24 PM	#5
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	It's where the rotor is pointing when your engine is on number one compression TDC. Every engine can be different depending on where the distributor is installed. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

02-12-2005, 11:04 PM	#6
thisolechevy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Gainesville, Fl Posts: 382	once you get your motor to TDC look at where your rotor is pointing and then on the cap place the plug wire it is pointing to on your number 1 piston and then down the line of firing order. __________________ Man I need another 67-72!!!

02-12-2005, 04:26 PM	#1
sactoC10 71 DELUX Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Northern CA / Sac Posts: 1,056	HELP, HEI not dropping (all the way) in! OK, in the middle of this and it is stopping about 1/2" from getting all the way in...any ideas? And, while at this...how do I know which cap wire is #1 when I do (hopefully) finally get it into place? First question is obviously most important!!! __________________ 5/4 drop LWB wood bed - 15x8 front 235/60 - 15x10 rear 295/50 2003 FORD Escape 1998 Honda VTR1000

02-13-2005, 12:02 AM	#7
gmc67swb Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Mesquite, Tx Posts: 396	That's a good question. From the factory, which terminal is the #1 plug wire on? Is it the one next to the box shapped piece where the tach and batt are connected or is it one more clockwise? I realize it could be either or even further around for that matter, but where was it originally? __________________ GM 330HP/350, Magnuson 122HH, Tremec TKO 5spd

02-13-2005, 12:18 AM	#8
SB_in_SC '68 C10 SWB/FS 396/TH400 Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: SC Posts: 90	TDC is the best way to go. The rotor tells you where it is. Just make sure you're not 180 degrees off. Some dist. will let you put the rotor on either way.After that, its just 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2!! CLockwise, of course.

02-13-2005, 01:00 AM	#9
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	I clicked this picture of an original GM plug wire retainer. If you look closely, you can see the factory numbers cast into the plastic. This shows where number one was originally. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

02-13-2005, 02:22 AM	#10
sactoC10 71 DELUX Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Northern CA / Sac Posts: 1,056	Everything eventually worked out fine for me today. First try, without being certain where the #1 piston was went rather poorly. Then found TDC with the number one piston, turning the engine. After that, re-attached plug wires and the truck fired right up. Most frustrating part of the whole process was trying to find long enough plug wires! Pulled some from a couple different vehicles this morning at the salvage yard. I should have grabbed one of those factory GM HEI rings while there. Now that I've done it, I understand why people say it is a "simple" drop in, but it took me most of the day, mostly due to efforts to arrange the plug wires as best possible. Yet, the first time doing this, alone, having never replaced a DIST before... it was not necessarily simple. Next time? Yes, then it would be simple. If it weren't for this board, I'd probably have just replaced the coil and condenser. So thanks everyone for all the help! __________________ 5/4 drop LWB wood bed - 15x8 front 235/60 - 15x10 rear 295/50 2003 FORD Escape 1998 Honda VTR1000

02-13-2005, 06:05 AM	#11
OhioDan Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: New Carlisle, Ohio,USA Posts: 1,404	As far as your plug wires, I just bought a set from NAPA. They're for a 1974 Corvette, 350 HP engine, w/HEI ign. No messing with cutting and crimping plug wires. They're pre-made and the fit is good. Have to get some clips from GMC Paul if you're running rams horn exhaust manifold so you can route them (below the manifolds) like original. Hope this helps? __________________ LIFE AIN'T EASY WHEN YER FAT AND GREASY! GMC= Got More Class! 1970 GMC LWB, Fleetside, 350/4spd, Flowmaster "40's", 2002 GMC 16" Rallies, cowl hood,and added a bunch of options that weren't there when I started.

02-13-2005, 08:28 AM	#12
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	There must be a mistake somewhere. 74 Corvette did not have HEI, rather still had points. A 76 Corvette would be the one to ask for. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

02-13-2005, 09:49 AM	#15
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Well, I was referencing THIS thread where the guy bought 74 Vette plug wires and found them to be old style wires. It's just as easy to say 76 Vette to the parts guy and be sure you get the right wires you need. He had to order them too, so he had to wait awhile to find out he got the wrong wires. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

02-13-2005, 10:25 AM	#17
LONGHAIR just can't cover up my redneck Join Date: May 2004 Location: Columbus OH Posts: 11,414	They (rings) were a factory installed thing. They really make for quick easy cap/rotor changes. It probaly made the job on the assembly line quicker too. That's really the only point I see to them. With the sparkplug style connectors, it isn't like they had trouble with them falling off or getting loose.

02-13-2005, 10:44 AM	#18
OhioDan Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: New Carlisle, Ohio,USA Posts: 1,404	Didn't mean to get anyone PO'd, but I was just passing info I got from GMC Paul when I bought the plug wire clips. Sorry 'bout that. __________________ LIFE AIN'T EASY WHEN YER FAT AND GREASY! GMC= Got More Class! 1970 GMC LWB, Fleetside, 350/4spd, Flowmaster "40's", 2002 GMC 16" Rallies, cowl hood,and added a bunch of options that weren't there when I started.



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02-13-2005, 02:23 PM	#19
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	I'm not PO'd. I did just take a whiff and I am BO'ed though. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

02-13-2005, 07:58 PM	#20
sactoC10 71 DELUX Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Northern CA / Sac Posts: 1,056	Went to a few different parts stores checking on those 76 Vette plug wires. Most were between $28-$38, but I want to run my wires into some looms around the outside of the ramshorn manifolds. Instead of spending that money on one set of wires, I bought three sets at the Pick N Pull, (two that were nearly new) few other odds and ends, even found the stock HEI wire set up from a late 70's pickup...all for less than $30. When I figure out exactly how I am going to route the plug wires, then I'll probably shell out the cash for a new set, or at least another set that will match one of the newer (yellow) ones I found yesterday. By the end of the day, I was just glad that the truck would start up and GO! Guess some Caprices also have some long plug wires...just and FYI. Hey what's the deal with re-gapping the spark plugs now?????? __________________ 5/4 drop LWB wood bed - 15x8 front 235/60 - 15x10 rear 295/50 2003 FORD Escape 1998 Honda VTR1000

02-13-2005, 08:01 PM	#21
Cat Fuzz My son, my joy. Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 463	Those top hats for HEI are a major PITA when changing plug wires. I always toss 'em. __________________ '69 Chevy 3/4 ton, 327cid, Carter AFB, Edelbrock intake, HEI, TH400. Founding member of the No Money To Spend On My Truck Club. When your at Home Depot, you WISH you had gotten an 8 foot bed!

02-13-2005, 09:14 PM	#22
VetteVet Msgt USAF Ret Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 8,709	OK you guys ain't leaving me out of this one. My corvette black book lists all vettes from 1953 to 1980 and it says 1975 was the first year for HEI. My 74 convertible has points and a mechanical tach. I have never heard of a 74 with HEI from the factory and neither have any of my corvette buddies. There were three engines available for the 1974 model, L-48 195hp, L-82 250hp and the LS4 454 270hp. 74 was the last year for the big block and points ignition. It was also the last year for leaded gas non-catalytic exhaust. It is always possible that a late 74 was produced with HEI but until I see a written reference I have to believe there were none. VV __________________ VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative. Last edited by VetteVet; 02-13-2005 at 10:57 PM.

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