Expert: Dan Liddy - 8/26/2007

Question
Hi Dan,
I recently purchased a ProComp 6000 series distibutor (MSD knockoff, one wire hookup, you know the part I'm sure!)and HEI coil for my 1982 Ford Bronco (5.0L/DuraSpark II (w/o MCU)/manual tranny).  I can't seem to get any fire from the distributor.  Here is what I have done so far.  I have replaced plugs, wires (8MM accel), voltage regulator, Ignition Control Module, all grounds, positive leads, starter, alternator, battery...you get the idea.  I have tried about 100000000 different 12V leads to get power to the distributor/coil but alas! No Fire!  Everything is grounded at least once with heavy gage wiring.  The engine rolls over just fine, but it won't start.  I know I have power to the 12V lead to the distributor/coil...I am at a loss...thanks for your help!!!

Answer
OK  I'm going to assume that you have no 'fire' at all, that the engine doesn't even TRY to start.  

With the HEI system, about 95% of the time the culprit is a bad rotor- - -yup that $3 part is the gremlin.  So change that, then change the internal module, and finally test the coil for continuity.  (With a meter set on Ohms, make sure there's current flow through the coil )  If your primary wire (the small one that takes the 12 v to the distributor) is 'hot', then the trouble is inside.   BE sure and check all the internal wiring to be sure it isn't grounded to the housing somehow.

Also check the distributor cap to make sure the little carbon brush in the center of the cap is in place. It should have a small spring behind it to keep it in constant contact with the rotor arm. Clean all that stuff while you're at it. Also check that the coil is properly connected to the primary (small) and secondary(large) wires.

That's all I can think of at thiis time. Let me know how I did though, would you please ??

Thanks

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida