Reliable HEI, is there such a thing?

[Spline64]

I just replaced my HEI distributor last year with a summit Accell HEI while trying to troubleshoot what I thought was an ignition problem. Well it wasn't an ignition issue but I figured since I did it, would be one less thing that I would have to replace down the line. I now have an $86 tow bill that tells me different. The ignition module in my 1 year old distributor went out.

I've seen threads suggesting all different brands but most say you should always try and go stock (AC Delco). Since AC Delco doesn't seem to manufacture parts any longer it looks like I have to deal with what is out there. I do have a distributor with the original 1982 ignition module in it but it is 34 years old and considering the location of the distributor and the age of the module, it is easier to replace the entire distributor than to change the module (for me anyway) and I never want to replace this thing again.

So, if we have to deal with poor manufacturing I believe that there is something else I need to address that burnt the new module out. I have read some suggestions:
1. Add a additional ground wire
2. Always use thermal compound (given)
3. Correct voltage to the distributor (must be 12 vdc, not under)
4. Defective tachometer (don't have one)
5. Coil matched to ignition module

Is there anything else you guys can think of that could prolong the life of the ignition module?

Thanks,
Pat

[SCOTI]

MSD has an HEI kit that uses an external coil vs keeping it under the cap. The coil is a main contributor to ignition modules failing (from the heat). You could try that.

[Dead Parrot]

Bought an Accel distributor many years(15+) ago from Jegs. Still going strong. Over the years, had to replace the button between the coil and rotor and the vacuum advance pot. It even survived an alternator failing to max voltage output.(18+ volts) Don't know if Accel was a Holley company when I bought mine.

I might have a statistical outlier to the good side.
OP might have an outlier to the bad side.
Accel QC might have gotten worse since I bought mine.

You might consider cleaning up the original distributor, replace the mechanicals like the vacuum pot, mechanical advance, and button and put it back in service. Get a new module for the Accel and keep it around as a spare.

I replaced my original because the mechanical advance would sometimes stick on full advance. Trying to start a hot motor with 25+ degrees advance sucks. And as the OP pointed out, working on a back of the motor distributor also sucks.

[80SPORT]

Just buy a new stock HEI from GM parts...you will likely get 20 years service out of it as long as it is correctly installed.Be sure you are feeding it with a 10ga wire as per stock GM.

[tucsonjwt]

AC Delco remanufactured is about $107. I believe I have the original distributor in my 83 and have had no problems since I purchased the truck 14 years ago.

[Tash4]

HEI are genraly trouble free . Sounds like a wiring problem. Cheap aftermarket modules don't last like oe ones.
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[turbotruck]

was making 700 plus to the tire using a stock hei distributor and coil. good trouble free units. buy the oem/ acdelco

[meatwagon83]

Davis unified ignition, stone cold reliable

[Spline64]

Thanks everyone for all the input!

My sons car just died (go figure) so I had to get the truck up and running so my wife can take him to work till he gets it fixed. I went ahead and put the original module from the old dizzy in and she fired right up.
I did notice something that really made me scratch my head. When taking out the "new" module, I saw that there was a extremely thin layer of some clear grease around the edge of the module only. The center was completely dry, wasn't stuck down at all. The old one I took out was almost glued to the heat sink which is what I am used to seeing
.
Did I miss something? Should I have taken the new dizzy apart to make sure it was assembled correctly? Thought this was a "plug and play" kinda thing.

I'll keep looking for a better distributor and appreciate all the input you guys have given. Going to definitely purchase another module and keep in the the glove box. Can't imagine if that would have happened when I was pulling my trailer up a 6% grade

Thanks again all,
Pat

[Warrens69GMC]

Thermal compound DL203 is like 1.99 at Autozone for 2 packets. Change it every 5 years

[hatzie]

The GM HEI lasts 40+ years. My 1976 had the original GM HEI when I replaced the engine in 2007. That exact HEI distributor is still working in my buddies 1970 Chevelle with new Delco electrics.
Chinese Caps, rotors, pigtails ignition modules, coils, and pickups are garbage. Pay the extra $ for AC Delco Professional grade parts. NEW $100 distributors typically have a cheaper pickup coil system that can't be replaced with the GM part.

You can replace all of the electrical components in a GM HEI with new Delco Professional grade components along with the vacuum can and mechanical advance weight and spring parts for around $150-$200.

AC Delco electrical parts to use with your original USA made distributor... Be sure to buy the "professional" grade parts.


D559A Cap
D448X Rotor
D1906 Module
D221 RFI Capacitor and module to coil pigtail
D504A Ignition coil
D1907X Pickup pole piece (pickup coil)