RE: [Chevelle-list] HEI Problems :-/

[Dave Studly]

I’ve been doing a lot of distributor swapping the past few weeks.  If you want an absolutely fool-proof method of getting it right, pull off the driver’s side valve cover off and as you spin the engine over, watch for the #1 intake valve to close, and then keep rotating to line up the TDC mark on the balancer.   Depending on your engine, this may or may not be more labor intensive than pulling the #1 plug.  For me, I prefer to use a 7/16” socket on a cordless drill to pull/replace my valve cover than to get the #1 plug out.   Firing order on all chevy V-8s (all GM V-8s, I believe) is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.  It makes no difference where #1 is on the cap, as long as the wires are in the right order.  On my engine, viewed from the front of the vehicle, #1 on the distributor is about in the 7 o’clock position.   On an HEI distributor, you’ll notice teeth on the distributor shaft, and some corresponding teeth on the distributor body.  When they are lined up, that is what triggers the module to fire the coil.   When these teeth (which I believe are magnetized) pass each other, an AC voltage is generated. This is what the HEI module senses to fire the coil.  I’m not sure how/if you can check this AC voltage with a standard voltmeter or not.  You could certainly check it on an oscilloscope, but I doubt many people have one, unless you’re a real electronics guru.   -Dave         From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Pelle Andersson Sent: Sunday, August 14, 2005 5:53 PM To: The Chevelle Mailing List Subject: Re: [Chevelle-list] HEI Problems :-/   When I pulled the old distributor the engine was right on TDC (just happened to be so) and the rotor was in fact 180 degrees opposite the installation recommendation. But I didn't write down the location of the spark plug wires (doh!)   But if I rotate the rotor 180 degrees I have to relocate all the spark plug wires to be in the right firing order, right? And that means that I'm back to square one as far as I can see? It wouldn't really matter which way the rotor points as long as you hook up the #1 cylinder to that position at TDC?   Am i thinking too much here!?   B.T.W.  I can tell you that "bumping over" a big block with a socket wrench is no easy task :-(   Best regards   Pelle       ----- Original Message ----- From: KW To: The Chevelle Mailing List Sent: Sunday, August 14, 2005 7:50 PM Subject: Re: [Chevelle-list] HEI Problems :-/   Sounds like you have the distributor 180 degrees off (or a couple of teeth off). Try to have someone crank the engine while you twist the distributor and see if it cranks easier (or starts- indicates that it is a tooth or several off). Or just pull the distributor up enough so the gear isn't engaged, turn the rotor 180 degrees, reinstall, and see if it will start (if it is 180 off). Keith ----- Original Message ----- From: Pelle Andersson To: The Chevelle Mailing List Sent: Sunday, August 14, 2005 1:34 PM Subject: [Chevelle-list] HEI Problems :-/   I've just installed my HEI and I've done it "by the book" Locaded TDC etc.   I used the http://www.2quicknovas.com/happydistributors.html to do the inital setup but something's wrong and I need a 2:nd opinion frum you guys.   I've got spark and the engine pops & puffs but do not start. (and on top of it all my starter suddenly need some shimming!?)   1. Is the guide correct? 2. How would you have done it?   Best regards Pelle ______________________________ Chevelle gearheads http://hem.bredband.net/chevellegearheads/