What would cause an HEI distributor to have no mechanical advance?
02-02-2004, 04:56 AM
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
What would cause an HEI distributor to have no mechanical advance?
I was checking my timing tonight...and when I pulled the vacuum advance connection off (to check mechanical advance) I noticed that at 3000rpm, the timing was at 16º and wasn't really going any farther even when revving it to 5000rpm real quick. What would cause this NEW distributor to do this? Would changing the springs do anything? Because I recurved this distributor to have 36º mechanical advance @ 2800rpm. (But I guess it didn't work) Or maybe changing both the weights and springs fix the problem? Or should I just pull the distributor out and get it warrantied?
02-02-2004, 08:00 AM
#3
Melting Slicks
Re: What would cause an HEI distributor to have no mechanical advance? (TIMSPEED)
My distributor shaft was gummed up and would not turn...I had to take it apart completely and soak it in oil for several days before I got it freed up enough for the mechanical advance to work...you should be able to easily turn the rotor by hand and feel some resistance, but it should not be hard to turn, and it should spring right back...check for binding and sluggish return.
02-02-2004, 08:19 AM
#4
Team Owner
Re: What would cause an HEI distributor to have no mechanical advance? (Rockn-Roll)
if springs so light it would be at max. timing when you set the base timing, so
no advance left to come-in...
no advance left to come-in...
02-02-2004, 09:29 AM
#5
Re: What would cause an HEI distributor to have no mechanical advance? (Rockn-Roll)
My distributor shaft was gummed up and would not turn...I had to take it apart completely and soak it in oil for several days before I got it freed up enough for the mechanical advance to work...you should be able to easily turn the rotor by hand and feel some resistance, but it should not be hard to turn, and it should spring right back...check for binding and sluggish return.
My HEI did this. First time I cleaned it real well but it only lasted a few weeks. Second time I yanked it and installed a new Accel HEI.
First step, remove the cap and check the action by hand. This will tell you if you are getting any mechanical advance. If you are getting mechanical advance, and it snaps back quickly when you rease it, then your springs are probably too light.
Jeff
02-02-2004, 10:46 PM
#6
Le Mans Master
Re: What would cause an HEI distributor to have no mechanical advance? (TIMSPEED)
I have also incountered the rotor squeezing the weights and not allowing them to move. Check for marks in the top of the underside of the rotor.
02-02-2004, 10:51 PM
#8
Race Director
Re: What would cause an HEI distributor to have no mechanical advance? (burners)
Like the others have said the dist is probably all gummed up with rust, take it out, take it apart and clean it up, then buy a MSD Pro Billet :lol:
