Fried 2 distributors in 5 months..now what - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jpabberton · 08-25-2004, 09:41 PM

I've now fried two distributors on my 70 SWB 350 4x4 since April...this one was an HEI. This time I've swapped out the external to an internally regulated alternator. What else can I do or what did I do wrong?

neonlarry · 08-25-2004, 09:53 PM

Just what do you mean by fried (stir fried, pan fried? JK). Seriously explain a little more exactly what is happening. You mention changing your alt what is the output voltage? It should be in the 14.2 +- range.

cdowns · 08-25-2004, 10:03 PM

did you run a new direct 12v wire to the hei??

jpabberton · 08-25-2004, 10:35 PM

Ran a new #12 wire from an unused switched terminal on the fuse block...I thought the voltage regulator was bad, replaced that twice since December and the truck ran after replacement. Today I took the coil out of the HEI cap, and got a new one replaced free at the parts store. I was getting 8 mil ohms resistance across the terminals on the coil. Meter shows 12.7 amps at the alternator and all the way thru to the coil, haven't been able to test the new alternator yet. There's got to be a reason why I'm loosing so much electrical stuff. Thinking about taking it in to a shop, but to cheap!

binford · 08-26-2004, 01:22 AM

When engines get swapped out people forget to ground the motor to the fire wall. These old trucks are notorious for bad grounds. I would start by checking and cleaning each ground connection. Some models came with a cap that is connected to the voltage regulator and frame ground, the same cap as in the old distrubutors.

08-25-2004, 09:53 PM	#2
neonlarry Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 2,745	Just what do you mean by fried (stir fried, pan fried? JK). Seriously explain a little more exactly what is happening. You mention changing your alt what is the output voltage? It should be in the 14.2 +- range. __________________ 70 C/10 Light Red 350/TH350, HEI, Duals w/40 series Flows, 91 seat, LED taillights 99 Pontiac S/C GTP, SLP Ram Air hood, GMPP Konis & springs 95 Neon ACR, MP PCM, AFX UDP, 3.0 CAI

08-25-2004, 10:03 PM	#3
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	did you run a new direct 12v wire to the hei?? __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

08-25-2004, 10:35 PM	#4
jpabberton madcow Join Date: May 2004 Location: Glendale, Arizona Posts: 86	Ran a new #12 wire from an unused switched terminal on the fuse block...I thought the voltage regulator was bad, replaced that twice since December and the truck ran after replacement. Today I took the coil out of the HEI cap, and got a new one replaced free at the parts store. I was getting 8 mil ohms resistance across the terminals on the coil. Meter shows 12.7 amps at the alternator and all the way thru to the coil, haven't been able to test the new alternator yet. There's got to be a reason why I'm loosing so much electrical stuff. Thinking about taking it in to a shop, but to cheap! __________________ _____________________________________________ 1970 SWB 4x4 350 4 speed Factory AC

08-25-2004, 09:41 PM	#1
jpabberton madcow Join Date: May 2004 Location: Glendale, Arizona Posts: 86	Fried 2 distributors in 5 months..now what I've now fried two distributors on my 70 SWB 350 4x4 since April...this one was an HEI. This time I've swapped out the external to an internally regulated alternator. What else can I do or what did I do wrong? __________________ _____________________________________________ 1970 SWB 4x4 350 4 speed Factory AC

08-26-2004, 01:22 AM	#5
binford Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Sacramento Ca Posts: 126	When engines get swapped out people forget to ground the motor to the fire wall. These old trucks are notorious for bad grounds. I would start by checking and cleaning each ground connection. Some models came with a cap that is connected to the voltage regulator and frame ground, the same cap as in the old distrubutors.



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