Starting problem !

[69hurstolds]

And if that HEI was popping like it should, you probably would feel it in your arm as well if it was touching anything metal.

Sounds like your HEI isn't putting out the power. Check the wiring going to the distributor cap to make sure they're seated. Just grabbing straws here, if the cap has been changed a lot or messed with a lot, those plugs into the bottom of the distributor cap get cracked/broken where the clips don't always survive and the plug can work its way loose. It might LOOK hooked up, but may not be.

Also, take the cap off and check condition of the coil button to the rotor. I've seen those literally disintegrated before. Plust the general condition of the cap/rotor.

As pagrunt says, it could be the module. Those things hum along happily until they simply just quit. VERY often HEI distributors simply quit without warning due to the module. Although rare to have issues like that, it happens. Ensure if you do find out that's what it is, that you put dielectric grease on the bottom mating side to the plate. Need a good heat sink for it.

 

[mickeypowa]

thanks for your answers !

I was puting the plug against the bar, so I retried holding this from a little distance and still no spark !!

Here are some photos of the distributor :

where is the pink wire ? where is the pick up coil ??

thanks !

 

[pagrunt]

where is the pink wire ?

Looks like you have a red instead of a pink wire, it's thr one with the white connector pluged into the distributor cap.

 

[TURNA]

Is that red wire spliced?

 

[fleming442]

Is that red wire spliced?

Judging from the big ball of red tape at the bottom corner of the pic: YES!

 

[DRIVEN]

I would verify 12 volts at that red wire connector with ignition switch on before going any further.

 

[83StreetMachine]

Agreed.

First step is to verify 12 volts at the red wire with the key on.

If yes, I would mark and number all your plug wires and remove the distributor cap.

Now you can work on a table top.

Check for any major damage to the inside contacts or the rotor.

Next I would check the resistance of the coil. I like to remove the coil from the cap because you should check the carbon button located under the coil as well. I've seen these melt away or break apart before. (See pics)

Here's a good video that explains how to check the resistance. Your coil is a high energy coil so it might have higher numbers than stock.

If that is all in spec, I'd grab a new ignition module (see pic). Please buy a good quality one.

You can install this with the distributor still installed in the engine. Just remove the rotor and you'll be able to unscrew and unplug the ignition module.

Make sure you smear some dielectric grease on the underside of the new ignition module before installing.

Now reassemble and test for spark again.

 

[TURNA]

Have someone turn the key and jiggle that hacked wire

 

[pontiacgp]

Have someone turn the key and jiggle that hacked wire

 

[pagrunt]