V8 HEI Installed Issues ?

[54blackhornet]

I installed a original GM HEI last summer on my 307. Ran great after I hooked up everything.Yesterday I started it up and it ran horrible. Pulled the plugs to find them dry but pretty black so I figured it was the 2 Barrel Rochester until I noticed that the distributor cap was not completely secured, only one of the spring clamps was on properly. Do these work loose or did I not get them on properly ?

[CantPutTheSmokeBack]

It's pretty easy to think you've got them seated, just for them to come undone. Picked up several cars in the past that had one or two loose/unseated. Just give it another shot.

[C101972]

The cap sits in a slot, you can tell when it’s in the proper location. When you fasten it, if you feel under the ledge of the distributor where the hold downs are. They also have a slot that holds the four of them in place. Also you might want to take a peak inside the cap, because when it was running rough the rotor could have possibly gouge inside of it. Good luck! Thanks Chuck
Posted via Mobile Device

[54blackhornet]

Thanks fellas ! I just tightened them up but now the engine will not fire ? Will pull the cap and check the rotor and underneath the cap.

['68OrangeSunshine]

If you have a spare module, try that.

[CantPutTheSmokeBack]

I got into the habit of, when changing the cap and rotor, forgetting to install the rotor. Also, make sure it's plugged in. If it is, make sure you've got power. Easy to overlook the small things.

[bry593]

Quit buying Chinese distributors and you won't have any problems.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by bry593

Quit buying Chinese distributors and you won't have any problems.

This isn't really helpful.... Not cool.

Did you even read his original post?

LockDoc

[BigBird05]

Dito LockDoc

[54blackhornet]

Follow up ! Original GM HEI , off a 75 C/10 finely died.

[C101972]

Unless you are trying to stay pretty much OE, go to Summit Racing and purchase a MSD HEI distributor. They are easily to install and are a breeze for recurving your timing advance. If you can find the right person to setup, you will have more power and better fuel economy. Thanks Chuck
Posted via Mobile Device

[54blackhornet]

Thanks Chuck for the suggestion !….Jack

[hatzie]

There's no reason to replace an HEI distributor.
You can completely rebuild your original HEI distributor on your work bench in a few hours.
As long as the advance weight pins or the shaft aren't worn past serviceability they're easily rebuildable.

Page down to post #4 in this thread where I posted a fairly decent howto on rebuilding the coil in cap HEI distributors with some links to more.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=765779

If the pigtail harness from the module to the cap looks the least bit gnarly just replace it with an AC Delco D221 HEI pigtail & Condenser. If you're running the original condenser it's likely reached the end of its useful lifespan. Electrolytic capacitors usually only last a three decades or so. The goobers selling this part on Amazon call it a radio antenna module capacitor...

Pay attention to the driven gear end play with the body and the proper placement of the shims.

[Warrens69GMC]

Did you run a new 12v source to the HEI?

Or did you run the existing wire?

[conoco]

Originally Posted by 54blackhornet

I installed a original GM HEI last summer on my 307. Ran great after I hooked up everything.Yesterday I started it up and it ran horrible. Pulled the plugs to find them dry but pretty black so I figured it was the 2 Barrel Rochester until I noticed that the distributor cap was not completely secured, only one of the spring clamps was on properly. Do these work loose or did I not get them on properly ?

I recently had the same issue with my GM HEI. I ended up buying a new coil after replacing my spark plugs and wires. I wasn't getting any spark. Took me a while to figure out why. Long story short it was the coil.

Just throwing this out there but I recently replaced my hei with a Progression Ignition HEI. I could not be happier. This thing is awesome and my truck runs so much smoother. There are some guys on this forum that helped me out a lot while I figured out the different timing table to play with. Best purchase I have made for my 72 beside my gear vendors unit. Plus its made in the USA and I will always pay a little more for a product in country Good luck brother!

https://progressionignition.com/

[KQQL IT]

My latest HEI fail

[54blackhornet]

Again thanks everyone for your input. This pickup never ventures off my property, just used to bring firewood in from my wood lot. It sits quietly from October/November until the snow goes away. I can’t justify sinking a lot of cash into that awesome electronic control distributor but I appreciate your suggestion. After looking inside the GM HEI I decided not to rebuild it because it sat outside before I got it and it’s corroded badly. I have another one in much better condition lined up….will keep you updated on my progress..Jack