Thread: HEI Ignition isssues

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I could really use some help. I have a six month old 350 crate motor in my older jeep. Has been running like a scaulded money since I put it in. Today as I was driving there was a slight hesitation, followed by a light backfire and then loss of power. First thing I checked was for spark. Not getting any fire. Replaced the coil and the module. Checked the power source and it is hot. Still no fire. Turns over just fine, but there isn't any spark getting to the plugs. After replacing the coil and module I'm not sure what else to do or what else it could be.

rotor button ...

checked it- no corrosion of any kind.

Rotor spinning when engine cranks? Saw a broken distributor shaft once time.... Grasping at straws here.

yep rotor spins

check pick up out put should be at least 0.15 volts out put check pigtail from module to coil. for continuity.....ted

This is the first time i have ever gotten this "deep" in the distibuter end of the pool. How would I check that pigtail- in order to get to it I would have to disconnect the coil from the power wire right?

the pigtail are te wires that go from the base of the dist. the dist cap. unplug both ends and use a d.v.0.m (digital volt ohm meter) BUT my bet is it's the pick up....ted

Chris, if it's truly a crate motor from one of the reliable shops your distributor may be under warranty? Not that it's bad to figure out the gremlin, but they might send you a new one? Just a thought.

Look closely at the rotor....it might have an arc-thru so that the energy path is directly to the distribuotr shaft. If you see a carbon dot on the underside of the rotor, it might be such. Try a quality rotor...a Delco or a Blue Point.....most others are crap, especially the junk brands like Accel and Mallory. When you remove a rotor that has an arc-thru and put it back, the engine usually fires but doesnt run long before the leak is re-established.