The grimlins got me again.Got up early to go to a show(real early forgot to set clock back).Anyway I turn the key ...the motor turned over like it was going to start but no start.The only thing I did was regap the plugs(.060) as per the haines manual.So I (1) replaced the ingnition modual.No start.(2)I then doubled check all the plug wires making sure I pressed them on good.Yup done that(3) rechecked the coil....When I looked at it real close one of the wires coming off the coil and pluging into the cap was missing the metal end.brought a new coil started right up.I swear I thought I saw the metal ends on all the wires.Missed the show and didn't get to drive her all weekend,but she sure runs good withthe plugs regaped............ Better days are a coming.

Don'tcha just HATE it when that happens?
.060 sounds a bit wide for an early HEI, unless you've upgraded to an aftermarket set-up. .045 sounds mo betta. Wonder why Haynes specs them at .060? Do you still have the emissions decal under the hood? It should give plug gap specs...

Anywho...glad ya got it runnin!
Adams' Apple2010-11-08 19:33:16

Sorry we missed ya Rick!! At least ya got her done...

A few of the early HEIs did spec the plug gap at  .060  but they found the initial KV (energy required to fire the plug) was too high.  It created a very short burn time for the spark, and stressed the ignition components.  Olds did this more than Chevy, but all of GM went through a period of time with this value.  It was short lived.   Most vehicles that used the .060 had TSBs (technical service bulletins) with the revised more know spec of .045.    Some publications still print the .060 based on original spec, but miss the revised spec.   Very few GM vehicles did not revise the specs.

 I worked at a Pontiac/GMC dealer in the early 70's. They/we gapped them all at 60ths. Guess that high energy was what was burning all the side electrodes off. We changed alot of plugs.

Glad you got it running, Rick! Sorry you had to miss the show! Did'nt I say it could be the coil when you called? It is a shame that you missed the show after putting in so much effort to get people to get a good turnout for the show. Catch up with you soon!

I hate when that happens, did you get the secondary grounds onto the replacement coil? If not it may burn out the module

[QUOTE=manchestershark] Guess that high energy was what was burning all the side electrodes off. We changed alot of plugs.[/QUOTE]

Ed Zachary!
I remember one of our customers with a "new" Chevy truck came it with what he described as a "minor" miss at idle, in gear. I pulled the plugs, and there was absolutely NO side electrode on ANY of them...and the dang truck ran great! Just has a wee little miss at idle.
Adams' Apple2010-11-09 11:16:05

Looks like I will be regaping plugs.           Rick