Do HEI coils go bad?
99 percent of the time, in the large, coil in cap HEI’s, it ISN’T the module “just going bad”, or even “getting weak”. The real problem is the coil degrading gradually, failure process called “layer shorting”, which rarely causes the module to go way gradually.
When to remove the coil in a Hei?
Whenever I do a large cap HEI, I ALWAYS remove the coil in cap coil, and install a remote, round oil filled coil, just saves a lot of problems from that heating device on the top of the distributor jokingly referred to as a coil. This removes a lot of under cap temperature, and usually, stops the coil/module failures in their tracks.
How does a bad pick up HEI distributor work?
This system works in conjunction with the vehicle’s computer, and will announce a failure via a trouble code light on the dashboard. An HEI distributor that has a worn pick-up coil or corroded magnetic poles will produce a weak spark, with insufficient voltage to ignite the combustion gases.
Which is better DIS ignition or GM HEI distributor?
DIS ignition systems are much better in terms of reliability with less moving parts to fail however there is still a handful of us that cling onto old school distributors. The most common of the bunch is the ever reliable GM HEI internal cap. But even these fail from time to time.
Can a Hei coil be tested with an ohm meter?
Testing the HEI coil used to be OK with only an ohm meter, but not today. Load testing the coil off the distributor, on a machine designed to do so, IS the right, and only way to test them. If the module is bad, then I would seriously think the coil (s) were responsible for the module going out.
Where is the ignition coil on a HEI distributor?
The HEI distributor actually houses the ignition coil underneath that massive cap. You will need to purchase a new set to match your new distributor. With that said, reattach your individual plug wires to their proper posts. Take your time and make sure you have them right.
What are the issues with converting a distributor to Hei?
When converting to an HEI there are three issues which must be addressed. The first concerns the resistance in the run circuit. The second concerns the gauge of wire feeding the HEI distributor. The third concerns the starter 12 volt override and the ignition switch. When using HEI, the distributor requires a 12 volt feed.
Where is the HEI distributor on the cap?
Now install the distributor with the rotor pointing at the No. 1 terminal on the cap. When reconnecting the new unit, you will need to purchase and splice in a single HEI terminal connector.
Where do the wires come from on a HEI system?
On most HEI’s, there are three wires that come from the base of the distributor and they plug into the cap. It’s a connector block and can’t be plugged in wrong. DISTRIBUTORS & HEI INSTALLATIONS Page 9 Identifying your HEI system There are several variations on the original High Energy Igni- tion (HEI) system.