I've 'fixed' my vacuum issue but now I'm back again with another issue.

CURRENT STATE: Car won't start.

Details:

Recently added new intake manifold and distributor. You guys helped me work through some vacuum and timing issues. Car ran great for 2 days then suddenly regresses to a temperamental attitude. It was starting but only wanted to stay running for a few minutes. After those precious ticks it would die a quiet death and not start again for a few moments. I'm 98% sure that the car dies because the distributor stops sending sparks. I pulled a spark plug wire immediately after 'death' and tried the screw driver trick but could not see/hear any jumps. So I took some advice and replaced the ignition control module (link) and the ignition coil (link) but the problem has persisted. I've confirmed that the distributor is seemingly getting power at all times.

Currently the vehicle is no longer starting/ sparking so I've either regressed further or whatever was giving our finally died.


P.S. I pulled the cap to confirm the rotor turned when the engine was cranking.

Any more suggestions/ideas? I'll double check and take pics all day.

EDIT: I've checked my old ignition coil from my old distributor and it seems to have a nice little burn on it. Suggests faulty wiring of some sort or another. Any ideas on bypassing the old wiring to test it out? I fear I may be blowing ignition coils as soon as I try to use them.

 

The pickup coil wires break internally (may not be noticeable looking at them) from being flexed by the vac. advance. From what I have seen it is near the pickup coil not the module.

Check the pickup coil for continuity. Move the vac. advance while checking. Typical HEI pickup coil ohms about 800.
It's possible to disassemble the pickup coil & repair the leads.

I bought a "new in the box" HEI, checked it out before install & found the pickup coil "bad". I disassembled including the pickup coil & found a lead was not soldered to a pickup coil wire. Soldered to fix.

 

Also..............I've gone thru 2 dist caps on my HEI because the little button right in the middle (coil pickup) has broken off and fallen into the distributer. Result............no spark. Take a look and make sure the button is still there.

 

Just got back from the store. Bought a new Optima red top 750CCA. I wore the old battery out troubleshooting. I can't tell you how old is was but I'm pretty sure it was factory or the previous owner bought it from Sam Walton himself. Had it tested at the store and it was pumping a whole 300CCA Before I left I tried switching back to my old distributor (seemed easier than getting the pick up coil out ) and I noticed a difference but didn't have enough juice to continue. Back to work and thank you guys for the suggestions.

 

You can try disconnecting the vac. advance.
You could also check bottom of the rotor for burn through.

 

I've switched back to the old distributor's lower half but have maintained the new distributor's upper half. Car is running! About to try complete old distributor and have the new one turned in for warranty. Thanks for the suggestions guys.