HEI cap/rotor problem (longevity problem)
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
From: tampa fl
HEI cap/rotor problem (longevity problem)
Just wondering how long the typical life is of a HEI cap and rotor. B/c for some reason I feel that my 89 is eating them up. I just put a nice new cap & rotor.... say about 10-12K ago. This past week the car is idling like crap, smokes at idle.... and sets an O2 sensor code. I check all the stuff like PCV tubes for oil traces, air box, etc etc... everything is as should be. For shizils and Grins i pop off the cap (acts as if you got water in it...missing kinda) To my suprise.... the center button and the metal tab are SHOT. black dust all over the place, looks like hell. with a tops of 12k!!!!!! I'm running a MSD coil, Accel Module and MSD 8.5mm wires, and NGK copper plugs at .040" gap. Not to crazy at all. I cleaned it up the best i could for tonight..and it's running a lot better. Why the HELLLLL is it eating up Cap and rotors. (i'm buying expensive ones too, brass inserts etc...)
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 1
From: Chandler AZ
Re: HEI cap/rotor problem (Fast_vette89)
I've used that same setup for years. Only thing I can think is do have any up-down play in the dist shaft? That would put excessive pressure on the button and contact tab.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: League city Texas
Re: HEI cap/rotor problem (Fast_vette89)
I seem to remember MSD suggesting the use of their low resistance button. You might try that. Other than that it is fairly easy to convert to the newer small diameter distributor and remote coil.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 1
From: Chandler AZ
Re: HEI cap/rotor problem (trupp)
I seem to remember MSD suggesting the use of their low resistance button.
However, I'm assuming the hi-perf cap / rotor kit he got hopefully came with the low-resistance one. It's worth trying...
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
From: tampa fl
Re: HEI cap/rotor problem (gcrouse)
I used the HEI button that came WITH the MSD coil. I was running a MSD 6AL for about 8K of that 10K.... that might have something to do wit it. I'm putting a average stock, run of the mill (from Autozone... wells) cap and rotor. We'll see how long it lasts. I guess I'll just have to add a cap and rotor to my 10K list. !! I figured theres something wrong... like maybe i'm runnning to much gap, or something. But i do drive pretty hard....but not like a bat out of hell.... oh who knows. MSD wires look good too.... :confused: no idea. What are you guys chaning yours at?? 10K 20K?
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,861
Likes: 1
From: Bremerton WA
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: HEI cap/rotor problem (Fast_vette89)
I'm running an MSD 6AL and a stock remote coil with a MSD Pro-billet distributor. I get 6000-7000 miles per cap and rotor. I'm running the best brass caps and rotors they sell. You just have to suck it up if you want a hot ignition system. It's like the cost of doing business :) I basically spend about $70 a year on caps and rotors.
Cory
Cory
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: HEI cap/rotor problem (Fast_vette89)
The MSD CD ignition damages your rotor button because the spark current pulses are much higher than the HEI ignition. MSD recommends and sells a low resistance button which doesn't get hot like the carbon stock button. With a bright light, examine the inside of the cap for carbon tracks which will contribute to your poor running.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
From: tampa fl
Re: HEI cap/rotor problem (jfb)
Well now I don't have the MSD 6AL box on the car. I sold it. So now all i have is a Accel module and a MSD coil. I'm just gonna run a stock cap and rotor. go from there. Well with all that i've heard seems the combo of the 6AL, MSD coil, Accel module is what was frying my Cap and rotor. Thanks for the input guys.
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 280
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From: edmonton ab
Re: HEI cap/rotor problem (trupp)
I seem to remember MSD suggesting the use of their low resistance button. You might try that. Other than that it is fairly easy to convert to the newer small diameter distributor and remote coil.
