The HEI system produces a more powerful spark, which allows for a wider spark plug gap for surer ignition of a fuel/air mix that may not be optimal.
What happens when HEI module goes bad?
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. This can be seen by a sporadic miss when the engine pulls under a heavy load or the vehicle has to climb a hill or steep mountain pass.
What does an HEI module do?
With an electronic module, an HEI can safely operate at much higher current loads. More power applied across the primary circuit of the coil means the coil can apply greater spark energy to the spark plugs. This additional power ensures more complete combustion at both idle and at wide open throttle.
What does a high performance distributor do?
Ignition distributors collect and deliver voltage to spark plugs in timed bursts. We discuss performance distributors with electronic upgrades and other design improvements over OEM.
How do you check a HEI ignition system?
HEI Coil Test (The Short Version) – YouTube
Why does my ignition control module keep going bad?
The number one reason that ignition modules go bad is because of heat. On most of the cars that have a recurring problem with this, they have the original distributor in the car. As the distributor ages and wears, the bushing in the shaft goes goes bad and starts to cause excessive heat.
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What are signs of a bad distributor?
Bad Distributor Cap Symptoms
- Trouble Starting. As the distributor cap gets worse, you are going to have trouble starting the engine. …
- Shaking. If you are experiencing intense vibrations or shaking in your car, it could be due to the distributor cap causing misfires. …
- Stalling. …
- Squealing Noises. …
- Check Engine Light.
Does an HEI distributor need an ignition control module?
How the HEI Electronic Ignition Distributor Works – YouTube
How does a HEI coil work?
The distributor needs only one wire to supply the module with power. The module sends out a voltage to the magnetic pickup. The voltage is interrupted every time the star wheel causes a pulse in the voltage. This pulse is returned to the module, where, in turn, it grounds the coil, causing a spark plug to fire.
What three types of trigger sensors are used in HEI distributors?
Most modern electronic ignitions use one of three types of sensors in the distributor (or crank position sensor). They use either a variable reluctor (VR) sensor, a hall sensor, or an optical sensor.
Does HEI distributor need ballast resistor?
When using HEI, the distributor requires a 12 volt feed. In order to achieve this the ballast resistor or the resistance wire must be removed from the circuit and replaced with a pure 12 gauge feed wire.
Does HEI ignition add horsepower?
HEI Ignition Tips for Your Engine – YouTube
Do performance distributors make a difference?
“Performance ignitions allow for wider spark plug gaps (as most do) because of the more intense sparks they produce,” Steve explained. “To take advantage of the additional spark, open up your plug gaps exposing the larger flame to the combustion chamber – hence more power.
Why is my HEI distributor not firing?
This low voltage could be insufficient to get the distributor to fire. Use a volt meter to test the hot wire while a buddy cranks the engine over. If the voltage drops below 10.5, check your battery. … But, if the ground from the engine to the battery is making a good connection, ignition spark will be none existent.
How do you test a HEI control module?
Simple GM HEI coil test, short version – YouTube
How do you troubleshoot a HEI distributor?
How to Diagnose HEI Distributer, No Spark No Start. – YouTube
What are the signs of a bad ignition control module?
Signs of a Bad Ignition Module
- Acceleration Issues. The vehicle may shake, vibrate or jerk when the gas pedal is pressed. There may be hesitation or lack of power during increases in speed.
- Temperature Problems. A faulty ignition module can cause a vehicle to overheat. …
- No Power. The engine may turn over without starting.
What problems can a bad ignition switch cause?
A faulty ignition switch will be unable to deliver power to the starter motor, ignition system, and other engine controls, preventing the engine from starting. However, other electrical and mechanical issues, such as a dead battery or a malfunctioning starter solenoid, may also cause engine difficulties.
Can bad ignition switch cause rough idle?
Having a hard time starting and running your car
A typical problem with the ignition switch is when your car fails to start. This sign forces you to keep making attempts to turn the engine, draining and, therefore, killing your battery. At same time, idling your car can also cause a stalling.
What problems can a bad distributor cause?
In comparison with modern cars and their solid-state ignition systems, the distributor has to be one of the most infernal parts of an older engine. If not regularly checked and maintained, it can cause all kinds of problems, like poor starting, misfiring, low power and, er, being stuck on the side of the road.
What can a bad distributor cause?
The distributor is an integral part of the ignition, and therefore, any faults in it can affect your car in adverse ways. As we look at bad distributor symptoms, it can have severe effects ranging from rough idling, shaking, and even stalling. There are many reasons why a distributor can develop problems.
Can a bad distributor cause rough idle?
A failing distributor cap will result in rough idle because the voltage is not being sent to the plugs at the proper time, or at all.
Does HEI distributor need vacuum advance?
See all 6 photos In a GM HEI distributor, vacuum advance is limited by the length of the advance slot. The further the rod travels, the more spark lead the unit provides. Original GM vacuum advance canisters can provide as much as 25 degrees, and possibly even more.
What is the difference between HEI and points?
The HEI distributor is an inductive-discharge-style ignition, but with the points replaced by a solid-state switching device called an electronic ignition-control module. … On a points-style distributor, the ballast resistor wire limits voltage and reduces current to the distributor.
How do you test a HEI pickup coil?
HEI Distributor Pickup Coil Test – YouTube
What does HEI mean in automotive?
High energy ignition, also known as H.E.I., is an electronic ignition system designed by the Delco-Remy Division of General Motors. It was used on all GM vehicles, at least in the North American market, from 1975 through the mid-1980s.
How many volts does an HEI distributor need?
In order to run properly, an HEI requires a full 12 volts at all times. The 20-gauge resistance wire must be replaced by a 12-gauge wire (pink to maintain the factory colour coding), hooked up to the HEI cap’s “BAT” terminal.
How many volts does a stock HEI put?
An HEI should have a 10 guage wire run to it. If it’s hooked to stock wiring it may not be getting a full 12 volts. Many cars had ballast resistors or resistor wire running to the stock coil. A GM HEI should run on as low as 9 volts but 12-14.5 is required for good performance.
What are the 3 basic types of automotive ignition system?
There are three basic types of automotive ignition systems: distributor-based, distributor-less, and coil-on-plug (COP). Early ignition systems used fully mechanical distributors to deliver the spark at the right time.
How does Hall effect distributor work?
The mechanism uses a rotating assembly consisting of a set of rotating vanes (one for each cylinder) passing between a stationary magnet opposing a stationary Hall sensor. As the vanes pass in and out of the gap, the magnetic field is disturbed. Each disturbance causes the Hall sensor output to switch.
What are ignition triggering devices?
Triggering Device. Any of three electronic devices which send a signal current to the ignition module which then breaks the primary circuit.
When did GM stop using distributors?
For the most part, distributors were phased out by 2008. That was the last year that I have seen in a car anyway. Chevy 1500 with a 4.3L V6 if I remember correctly.
How many wires go to a HEI distributor?
Connect the primary wires to the HEI distributor, via a plug that snaps into the distributor cap. There are two wires in the plug: the hot wire and the tachometer wire. If you are updating from an old distributor, splice the old distributor hot wire to the hot wire of the HEI primary plug.
How many amps does an HEI ignition use?
Actually, an HEI draws only 2- to 3-amps, compared to the approximate 6-amps an external oil-filled coil draws. The lower amperage draw results in a much cooler running HEI coil.
What are the advantages of a HEI distributor?
The HEI system produces a more powerful spark, which allows for a wider spark plug gap. This delivers better ignition of the fuel/air mixture. The HEI setup was so popular, it became a must-do swap into non-GM vehicles as well.
Is HEI distributor good?
An HEI distributor is a great piece of equipment for an over-the-road car because it is completely self-contained. … But without an external coil, a stock HEI cannot provide a strong spark at rpm levels commonly seen on the racetrack. Engines with higher compression or more horsepower also require a hotter spark.
Are DUI Distributors good?
On the road, light throttle acceleration was smooth and powerful, and the fresh 350 pulled happily toward 5,000 rpm. Since it fits and functions like a GM HEI, the DUI line from Performance Distributors is certainly an excellent alternative that delivers long-lasting performance right out of the box.
Who owns Mallory ignition?
As of 2015 MSD has purchased the ACCEL performance group that Mallory was a part of and now all Mallory Ignition products are being merged with MSD. All future Mallory service parts and ignition products are now being manufactured by a joint ownership of MSD and Mallory Ignition.
What is the difference between a distributor and a magneto?
A magneto is a combination of a distributor and generator built into one unit. It is unlike a conventional distributor in that it creates its own spark energy without external voltage. A series of rotating magnets break an electrical field, this causes an electrical current in the coil’s primary windings.
Should I upgrade my ignition coil?
The source of the spark in the ignition system is the coil. … Whether working with coil packs or traditional canister style coils, the advantage of an upgraded coil makes for a hotter spark. Intensifying the heat makes it easier to burn the fuel and air mixture. This translates to improved performance.
What would cause no spark from distributor?
A Bad Rotor Or Distributor Cap (cracks or carbon tracks that are allowing the spark to short to ground). … Consequently, it could short out the coil voltage and cause, a faulty connection inside the terminal of the distributor cap. The result is a misfire in the spark plugs.
What causes no spark and no fuel?
If there is no spark or fuel, then the first thing I would do is check the vehicle’s fuses and relays, particularly the EFI main and ignition relays. It may be possible that one of these components has failed and is cutting off power to the vehicle’s ignition and fuel systems.
Why the ignition coil does not spark?
If the ignition coil does not have spark, it’s time to check its wires. Use a test light to check the continuity on the signal wire and power wire on the ignition coil. If both wires are functional but the coil fails to produce spark, the ignition coil or the ignition control module is bad.