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trouble with HEI

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by cayenne, Jul 7, 2014.

  1. Jul 7, 2014
    cayenne

    cayenne Member

    central Texas
    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2006
    Messages:
    276
    I installed a HEI kit on my v6 from CRT performance a few years ago. It would intermittently fail to start due to lack of spark, but I was always able to cure it by just tapping the top of the distributor cap with a screwdriver.

    It got worse and worse, so I finally replaced the coil, brush, and rotor 2 weeks ago and thought I had fixed it. However, the problem is back and the tapping solution works again. At first I thought it was an accidental anti-theft device, but now it really annoys me.

    Any thoughts?
     
  2. Jul 7, 2014
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    12,529
    Do you have the metal ground strap from the coil to pigtail plug in the cap?
    Also check the center electrode spring. Sometimes they don't make good connection (weak spring usually).
     
  3. Jul 7, 2014
    cayenne

    cayenne Member

    central Texas
    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2006
    Messages:
    276
    The ground strap went from the coil to where the ignition wire & tach wire clips in.

    I just replaced the electrode (I called it a brush). How would I confirm connection? Is the solution to the weak spring just buying another electrode and crossing your fingers?
     
  4. Jul 7, 2014
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2003
    Messages:
    3,323
    I replaced my HEI cap and rotor last summer before the Rubicon trip. When I put it all back together it would not start. The electrode was broken off out of the box!
     
  5. Jul 7, 2014
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    12,529
    Stretch out the spring slightly for stronger contact.
     
  6. Jul 8, 2014
    cookieman

    cookieman Member

    Colton,Calif
    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2005
    Messages:
    302
    I have the thing happening to my jeep. I found out if you remove the cap and clean out the cap and rotor them blow out dist with air, it will good for few ???. Sometimes it last a week and sometime it go a year.I can clean with tissues paper.Clean tissue paper!!!!!!!!!!! no shop rags It's the carbon from the button.. If you find better way . Please let me know.
     
    Last edited: Jul 8, 2014
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