[chuck M]

Ok guys i have no idea what i did to my accell distributor to make it all of the sudden stop creating spark. It started by me pulling the distributor out of my seventies something sbc 350 to reset it because it was one tooth off. I set tdc with timing mark on zero on compression stroke and pointed the rotor towards the number 1 cylinder. Pluged in all the connectors reinstalled cap and no spark. The truck ran great with no problems 10 min earlier i just wanted to get it one tooth over to properly time it with a light. I just dont know what could have happend , I checked all wires and they look good. There is power going into the connector marked BAT. Any ideas would be greatly appriciated. Thank you

[cdminter59]

What kind of distributor is it. HEI or points style? If it is a HEI you may have a bad module. ACCEL 35361 - ACCEL Ignition Control Modules - Overview - SummitRacing.com If it is a points style it may have a bad condenser.

[chuck M]

Accell HEI

[chuck M]

How would i go about testing the module?

[Silver Surfer]

Originally Posted by chuck M

How would i go about testing the module?

Per the Wiki:

Module:
Many parts stores can test the HEI ignition module at no charge. If that isn't possible, another way is to replace the module ith a known good module.

[cobalt327]

You DID replace the rotor, right?

[chuck M]

I have not replaced anything yet. Was wondering if I should just scrap the accel setup for a MSD HEI

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by chuck M

I have not replaced anything yet. Was wondering if I should just scrap the accel setup for a MSD HEI

What I meant was, did you put the rotor back on the top of the dist. before replacing the cap. No rotor = no fire.

[chuck M]

Yes the rotor was in. Went to the parts store today and bought a module started right up. I am very amazed that it decided to go bad in the 10 min that i had the distributor off. Never dropped it or anything. Thank you all for your input. Love this forum.

[ssmonty]

If I were you, I'd keep a spare module in the glovebox as long as you have the Accel distributor. Mark my words.
ssmonty

[cdminter59]

I am glad the module was all the problem. Sometimes it doesn't take much to short it out. When you installed the new module did you use heat sink compound on the bottom of the new module? Keeps it from overheating.

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by chuck M

Yes the rotor was in. Went to the parts store today and bought a module started right up. I am very amazed that it decided to go bad in the 10 min that i had the distributor off. Never dropped it or anything. Thank you all for your input. Love this forum.

X2 on the heat sink compound. You will sometimes hear to use dielectric grease. This is prolly better than nothing- but it is not the right thing to use. More here.

Good luck and glad you figgered it out!

[chuck M]

I used grease because it came with the module. Should i use something different

[cdminter59]

Originally Posted by chuck M

I used grease because it came with the module. Should i use something different

Yes ,it is called heat sink compound. Advance Auto, Radio Shack, and Auto Zone all carry small tubes of it. It is used on computers too so a computer store may carry it.

[chuck M]

Awesome thank you