What wires go to an 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.
Where do the three wires go in an HEI distributor?
The three wire connector from the HEI distributor plugs into the three wire inner receptacle on the HEI cap marked C-, GRND, and B+ (it’s keyed to only go on one way.)
Does an HEI distributor need to be grounded?
Re: HEI and distributor ground The starter turns over fine so it must be grounded meaning that the engine was grounded. That leaves the distributor which is mounted to the engine and should be grounded as well.
Do you need a coil with an HEI distributor?
The coil is an integral part of the distributor and is located in the distributor cap. The control unit for the magnetic pickup is a module located in the distributor. The distributor needs only one wire to supply the module with power.
Does HEI need a coil?
Actually most HEI systems run well with spiral-core wires. The spiral core prevents internal wire vibration and prevents electronic interference. Myth 8: The silicone grease you place under an HEI module insulates from heat.
Does a GM HEI distributor need a ground wire?
When you have an external coil (hei), ground wire in cap is not needed.
What are the three wires that go to a distributor for?
The connector has three wires: the violet and brown wire, which go to the HEI module, and a black wire that will go to ground. The HEI distributor should come with specific instructions that explain the process.
What causes weak spark on HEI?
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.
How do you check a ground distributor?
Take off the distributor cap, crank the engine and look for a spark each time the points open. If no spark, block the points open with a piece of cardboard and check for power from the coil – to the connection inside the points. If you have power now, then the points are somehow shorted to ground, which is unlikely.
What does HEI control 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.
How many amps does a HEI distributor draw?
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. HEI Coils also run cooler because they are encapsulated in thermal epoxy, which dissipates heat more efficiently than oil-filled coils.
Where does the power wire come from on a HEI distributor?
There is no longer a need for the power wire that comes from the starter “R” terminal. 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.
How do you replace a distributor on a Hei?
If you are updating from an old distributor, splice the old distributor hot wire to the hot wire of the HEI primary plug. Splice the tachometer gauge wire if so equipped, into the tachometer wire on the HEI primary plug. Insert the spark plug wires in the proper order on the distributor cap.
Why does a HEI distributor have 5 terminals?
Some later HEI distributors used five terminal modules, the fifth terminal was used to retard tim- ing based on sensors and circuitry external to the distributor. Those systems were called HEI- Electronic Module Retard, HEI-Electronic Spark Con- trol, or HEI-Electronic Spark Selection.
What is the electrical draw of a Hei motor?
I’m told that the average electrical draw of the HEI is fairly low, but the instantaneous draw can be quite high. That’s why you need such a large wire feeding power to it. There is no longer a need for the power wire that comes from the starter “R” terminal.