Do this first. Pull the vacuum hose off the distributor and plug it. Try running it see if it changes anything?
I would do that except after cleaning it and putting it back together now it wont run at all for more than a second or two even under throttle. Once it backfired on me and my carburetor is steaming. This all seems unpleasant. Im guessing i definitely need that new cap? Ha. Shiiiii...
Well that test won't work. Try the cap and ROTOR if You have a hi output coil maybe get the MSD cap and rotor.
Alright so I'm gonna pick up the new cap and rotor then. MSD for sure? Saw some Davis Unified getting a lot of praise as well. Thanks.
The last MSD cap I bought turned out to be low-budget Communist Chinese crap. Sent it back, got either a Delco or a Delphi cap for that application.
Take your pick, https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...5cid+v8,1021509,ignition,distributor+cap,7120 https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...id+v8,1021509,ignition,distributor+rotor,7136
It seems like most auto electrical parts are tri com made now. I got a Delco cap/rotor kit 2 or 3 years ago I think it was made in china also. I think I would go get a cheep one and try it.
Thanks everybody and Larry for the links. As im trying to get this done asap i hit up the local napa and oreilly and oreilly had the standard blue streaks with a lifetime warranty so im gonna give that a shot then respond w my findings tomorrow. Let's hope my coil cover cooperates.
It sounds to me like you have a fuel problem, either the carburetor or fuel supply. Are the float levels OK?
What year are you working on? Im wondering if you have upgraded the wire to the HEI from the factory resistance wire. Is it only running when the key is in the crank position?
They are. I set them about a month ago but i just rechecked now. Rebuilt the carb just a few months ago everything was absolutely fine till the coolant hose connector rupture
I believe the engine is a 73. The previous owner(s) had seemed to have most of it buttoned up pretty well and over the last few years i wasnt having any issues like this so im assuming the HEI was setup correctly. I installed a brand new wiring harness not long ago as well.
New cap and rotor installed correctly. Carb is definitely spraying nicely in both the primary and secondary. Still dead. Won't run longer than 2 seconds. Not a clue wth.
Pull plugs and have someone check for spark while cranking to make sure it keeps sparking. After checking that and if it's verified there is good spark and it stays going, put the plugs back in and have someone spray carb or brake cleaner down the carb (safely, obviously. Don't let them hold their face over the carb.) to see if it'll stay running while doing that. Then you'll know if it's fuel or spark.