Engine runs like crap

[harald]

Got a HEI upgrade kit from Summit, Summit brand. Coil already gave up after starting motor a couple of times. No spark.Replaced old coil. Engine runs like crap,like its not firing on all cylinders.Can the new module be crap too,or would it not run at all if it has something wrong with it.
Harald

 

[megaladon6]

did you change the weights and springs? is it an adjustable vac advance? are you sure the wires are routed correctly and plugged in all the way? are your wires and plugs clean and in good shape? (sometimes the extra power of the new coil will jump through the wire to ground even if it didn't happen before) did you check the vac line to the dist for cracks or leaks? do you have full power and ground? is the timing correct?

 

[bowtie81]

you could possibly have your timing 180 degrees out, bring it up on #1 and see where the rotor is pointing.

 

[harald]

I changed the weights and springs,and the vacuum advance unit on which I don't see where to adjust it. I will check out the other stuff tonight .
Thanks

 

[bowtie81]

for the vacuum advance unit, i had a crane, and it was adjusted with an allen key inside the port where the hose goes on.
let me know how you make out

 

[harald]

Distributor was out 180 degrees,how did that happen.Anyways I straightened that out,tried to start it and no spark again.So maybe there is nothing wrong with the summit coil.I put the old module back in, checked that there is power to the distr. and fidled with the connectors for a bit,still no spark. This thing is starting to anoy me.

 

[dan2286]

Is it a full 12 volts to the distributor? If hei does not have that it will not work.

 

[robnoxiousauto]

how does the pick up look ? more often then not the pick up is the problem when these dist. have no spark if you have a lab scope I can walk you through how to test it if not then do a visual inspection

 

[megaladon6]

Is it a full 12 volts to the distributor? If hei does not have that it will not work.

and don't forget the ground, it's just as important to have a GOOD ground.
is this a coil-in-cap HEI? either way, carefully check ALL connections for discoloration and proper plug in. does the rotor have a hold down screw?

 

[harald]

Well ,I got it running . All that was wrong was the plugs. Never knew that that many plugs could go bad at the same time.All those hours of work and all it was was $20 worth of plugs.Sometimes I am such an idiot. Note to self, change the plugs first. Good news is the transmission that I just rebuild myself seems to work good. Thanks for all the help and advice.
Harald