Restoring 1979 L82, I have changed complete distributor,cap rotor, wires got Accel coil pack, Accel header plugs but runs like it is not running on all cylinders and the spark is weak on all . Do not have much experience with HEI ignition any thoughts.
Thanks

 

Hi drummer, there isn't much else to the HEI, you said you changed the distributor, did you put in a new unit or something from another job? The module and pick-up coil inside the distributor are about all that's left, typically the pick-up coil gives up the gost all at once, I would check with Accel to verify compatability of the module with their coil pack. Also, while the engine is running, check for full battery voltage at the 12 gage red wire that feeds the HEI.

 

Buckshot is right. HEI is the most foolproof ignition systemGM ever made. I had to replace the coil resistor wire in the 69 with a 12ga. wire to feed a full 12 volts to the HEI. I did the same thing in the wife's 69 Camaro.

 

The distributor is brand new, I have now changed the coil pack to factory instead of the accel pack, I have 12.4 volts continuious to the 12 volt supply but still small yellow spark and my plugs are fouling out.
3rd. set now and it runs desent with new plugs for a short time. Could it have jumped time even though I have set it and the mark lines up and it is set 12 deg. before top dead center. Before I rip the front of the engine open is this a possiblity it jumped?

 

It could be out of time but that by itself would not cause weak or poor ignition performance. I would go back through the HEI and check out each component one at a time by substituting a known good part until it improves. My first suspicion would be the module inside the dist., next would be the coil. Make sure all the connections are correct, no cracked, pinched or skinned wires, use a good set of plug wires designed for HEI. You should get a blue spark at the plug.