Ignition/starter issues - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MrGoodpliers · 05-04-2010, 04:31 PM

My truck has a rebuilt 350 with hei. It appears that the PO wired it to the yellow wire that comes from the starter. It has always had a little miss at idle but ran well down the road. Lately, it has had the hot start problems that we all know and love. In addition, if I am towing or in heavy traffic, sometimes it will go dead with no warning. Sometimes it will start in this situation, sometimes it has to cool off. Also changing from forward to reverse will cause it to die. It also runs a little rougher going down the road now. I did replace the module, cap, rotor and wires last year and it did not affect the miss at idle. Does this sound wiring related? Ignition? Starter? Timing?

cdowns · 05-04-2010, 04:37 PM

go to FAQ on how to wire hei properly

**VetteVet** · 05-04-2010, 07:52 PM

Follow this link...........http://rmcavoy.freeshell.org/HEI.html

68gmsee · 05-04-2010, 08:01 PM

From your symptoms it could be several things. Vapor lock when overheating, coil, ignition, ground wiring, dis module, loose connectors, etc...

Try to isolate when it stops (if you can). Have someone crank while you check the plug cable for a spark. If you don't, work yourself backwards and check with a volt meter to make sure you're getting a full 12vdc to the coil.

If all that checks out, than vapor lock could be an issue or even fuel delivery. Make sure all of the filters are new and put a new fuel pump in if it's old or if you have no idea how old it is. They're very cheap.

MrGoodpliers · 05-05-2010, 12:58 PM

Okay, I ran a new 12 gauge wire with a 30A inline fuse to the ign unfused port. Still running rough.

kcjones · 05-05-2010, 01:11 PM

...And don't overlook the easy stuff! Check ignition timing: initial advance, vacuum advance is working. Carb idle mixture, vacuum leaks, plug gap.

05-04-2010, 04:31 PM	#1
MrGoodpliers Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Gainesville, Georgia Posts: 704	Ignition/starter issues My truck has a rebuilt 350 with hei. It appears that the PO wired it to the yellow wire that comes from the starter. It has always had a little miss at idle but ran well down the road. Lately, it has had the hot start problems that we all know and love. In addition, if I am towing or in heavy traffic, sometimes it will go dead with no warning. Sometimes it will start in this situation, sometimes it has to cool off. Also changing from forward to reverse will cause it to die. It also runs a little rougher going down the road now. I did replace the module, cap, rotor and wires last year and it did not affect the miss at idle. Does this sound wiring related? Ignition? Starter? Timing? __________________ We made Oklahoma a little after 3, Randy & his brother Bob & my old GMC...

05-04-2010, 04:37 PM	#2
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Ignition/starter issues go to FAQ on how to wire hei properly __________________ 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

05-04-2010, 07:52 PM	#3
VetteVet Msgt USAF Ret Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 8,709	Re: Ignition/starter issues Follow this link...........http://rmcavoy.freeshell.org/HEI.html __________________ VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative.

05-04-2010, 08:01 PM	#4
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: Ignition/starter issues From your symptoms it could be several things. Vapor lock when overheating, coil, ignition, ground wiring, dis module, loose connectors, etc... Try to isolate when it stops (if you can). Have someone crank while you check the plug cable for a spark. If you don't, work yourself backwards and check with a volt meter to make sure you're getting a full 12vdc to the coil. If all that checks out, than vapor lock could be an issue or even fuel delivery. Make sure all of the filters are new and put a new fuel pump in if it's old or if you have no idea how old it is. They're very cheap.

05-05-2010, 12:58 PM	#5
MrGoodpliers Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Gainesville, Georgia Posts: 704	Re: Ignition/starter issues Okay, I ran a new 12 gauge wire with a 30A inline fuse to the ign unfused port. Still running rough. __________________ We made Oklahoma a little after 3, Randy & his brother Bob & my old GMC...

05-05-2010, 01:11 PM	#6
kcjones I wish I was a cowboy Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Posts: 409	Re: Ignition/starter issues ...And don't overlook the easy stuff! Check ignition timing: initial advance, vacuum advance is working. Carb idle mixture, vacuum leaks, plug gap. __________________ -Kris Met list: Cyclone,Wilson,TranzAm,extd56,hotrodhomi,mnky30,Rokcrln,Brad,JerryJones(well, his truck anyway).



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