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HEI problems....
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Author:  BigBlockBanjo [ Thu Sep 20, 2007 10:44 pm ]
Post subject:  HEI problems....

Well, I bit the bullet and bought everything for the HEI conversion.
Everything. I even spent 45 minutes making all the wire connections "nice". I printed off SSDan's instructions, and took them to the shop with me. I had 2 different wiring diagrams on hand.(just in case)
Now, at 12:40 AM, I am lost. :?
Nothing works, my coil isn't even firing. I have re-wired every wire and re-read every word countless times in the past 3 hours. What am I missing? Someone please help me!?!

Author:  walpolla [ Thu Sep 20, 2007 11:34 pm ]
Post subject: 

hello,
a couple of diagrams I have - both acheive the same outcome.
check them out,it might give you some guidance.
this and
here.

regards,Rod. :D
ps: time you got some sleep :lol:

Author:  68barracuda [ Fri Sep 21, 2007 1:21 am ]
Post subject: 

Hi,

Ok first things first - Chrysler-Bosch HEI, or GM-Motorola HEI?

I have the latter and installed according to Dans instructions.

Have you reversed the output to the HEI module?

Be certain you have bridged the ballast resistor

What is the voltage delivered to the coil like?

and double check you connections to your coil -

Also it is possible to have a duff HEI module

Fanie

Author:  70valiant [ Fri Sep 21, 2007 4:07 am ]
Post subject: 

I could not get a new GM HEI module to work on my car the only ones that work for me are used ones I got out of cars in the JY.

Author:  slantvaliant [ Fri Sep 21, 2007 6:20 am ]
Post subject: 

My first attempt ran for about 30 seconds. Bum junkyard generic module.
More likely: Is the module grounded properly?

Author:  BigBlockBanjo [ Fri Sep 21, 2007 10:15 am ]
Post subject: 

Quote:
Hi,

Ok first things first - Chrysler-Bosch HEI, or GM-Motorola HEI?

I have the latter and installed according to Dans instructions.

Have you reversed the output to the HEI module?

Be certain you have bridged the ballast resistor

What is the voltage delivered to the coil like?

and double check you connections to your coil -

Also it is possible to have a duff HEI module

Fanie
O.K., I got some rest.... :D
I have a generic GM HEI module from O'Rielys.
I also (I think) installed as Dan's article stated.
The output leads were reversed about 3 times, but I think it's an irrelevent point, since my coil isn't even firing.
So far as the ballast resistor, I simply snipped the wires, and connected all 4 wires together.(So it would clean-up my firewall.)
Voltage was right at 12 volts, on both sides of the coil, last night. :roll:
And every connection was checked a dozen times.
Maybe I do have a bad module.... but if so, what would that have to do with my coil problem. Side Note: I tried both my SS coil, and a MSD BlasterII last night.
Thanks for the sheets, Rod.

Author:  slafolle [ Fri Sep 21, 2007 11:47 am ]
Post subject: 

Quote:
Maybe I do have a bad module.... but if so, what would that have to do with my coil problem
The module is the switching mechanism that controls the coil's firing, so if the module is bad, the coil will just sit there and do nothing.

Also possible that there's a problem with the pickup in the distributor (or the wiring); more likely a problem with the module (including bad ground, as slantvaliant said).

Steve

Author:  slantvaliant [ Fri Sep 21, 2007 11:59 am ]
Post subject: 

Check to see if the module mounting screws and the back of the module have a solid ground when mounted.

Author:  BigBlockBanjo [ Fri Sep 21, 2007 3:17 pm ]
Post subject: 

I got some more sleep :) , and continued work.
Here are my findings, placed in the order of revelational importance. I'll admit my ignorance with most of them........ :roll:

1. In the tech paper, it said to point the convex side toward yourself. Well, I got concave and convex mixed up, and mounted the module upside-down and over. Thus the same with the wiring. So I fixed that.

2. I took for granted that the air-gap in the dizzy was set. I know, bad, bad, bad. After 49 minutes of "nashing the teeth", I took it out and set it to .08. (I used a laminated paper to set it, as I thought you couldn't use a conductive feeler gauge).

3. The coil still wasn't firing, so I pulled the new module off, and tested it with an Ohm meter. Lots of resistance. I dug around and found an old HEI chevy distributor, and robbed the module. It checked good, so I swapped modules. Bingo! Bad module from O'Reilys. It cranked and ran rough, then died. I then tried for 1 hour to set the timing. I knew I had it right,...it had to be.

4. Long story short, While trying to get the ignition sorted out, I had run low on fuel. And I ran plumb out, right after I thought I had everything set. So I dry cranked it all that time.......!?! :x :shock:

Ever had one of those days?????
Thanks for all your help guys. I did check the ground, and it's fine.

Author:  walpolla [ Fri Sep 21, 2007 11:00 pm ]
Post subject: 

doh !!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

do'nt ask me how I know!

Rod :D

Author:  BigBlockBanjo [ Sat Sep 22, 2007 7:29 am ]
Post subject: 

O.K.
Module has a great ground.
I need help.....I'm fixing to burn my starter up.
My question is: How do I check and see if the dizzy is bad? Is there a way to check the pick-up?

Thanks for any help!

Author:  Matt Cramer [ Sat Sep 22, 2007 8:59 am ]
Post subject: 

Remove the distributor from the car and put an AC voltmeter across the leads of the pick-up coil. When you spin the distributor, you'll see a voltage that increase with RPM if the coil is working.

Author:  BigBlockBanjo [ Mon Sep 24, 2007 4:56 pm ]
Post subject: 

Sorry for beating a dead horse here, but........
Is this HEI thing one of those big internet jokes? Alot of people just got in on it? I wouldn't think the Slant Six community would do that, but at this point, I'm lookin' for answers.

I went and bought a good HEI module from NAPA. I mounted it on a 1/2" thick piece of aluminum. Ground is solid everywhere.
Dizzy is good, (Thanks for the info, Matt).
But my coil simply will not fire. I'm not the electrical genious, but I'm sure I can connect 4 wires. And I also know my points at least tried to make a spark. :evil:
What's the deal? Is there a "special" type of module to make this work?
I'm just tired of spending money/working on this thing with no results. People are claiming a successful conversion in 2 hours or less. I've been trying for 3 days.
I'm frustrated, and at a loss for words. Has anyone else had this much trouble????
I'd almost pay money, for someone to help me figure this out.

Author:  Matt Cramer [ Mon Sep 24, 2007 5:27 pm ]
Post subject: 

Are you sure you have the right polarity on the distributor pickup? The solution might be out of a bad sci-fi show: Reverse the polarity.

Author:  BigBlockBanjo [ Mon Sep 24, 2007 5:47 pm ]
Post subject: 

Do you mean swapping the distributor leads on the module?? Or something more harsh? :twisted: (I've calmed down, sorry for the rant. :oops: )
Stupid question of the day: : :
If my dizzy's pickup was messed up, would it somehow keep the coil from firing?

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