Hello, was searching through these forums and never found exactly what I was searching for, so I’m going ask.

I’m installing a Ford HEI distributor and am trying to figure out wiring. I’ve got a 14 gauge wire (to handle the 12V), from the Start tab on ignition switch to the Start side of the solenoid, and then another 14G wire from the I side of starter solenoid to the BATT tab on distributor. That’s it. It turns over, but doesn’t start. Please help with any advice. I’m stumped.

 

Well, I would look at the HEI itself (the coil and the rotor) they are common failure points as is the module
I have some diagnosis materials for their system as Ford taught the competition at times in their drivability classes
I was able to get a few books out of the deal. They always had a table of free books at screwell
If you have the BAT wire hooked to key on power or any power for that matter it should be sparking

 

All the HEI needs is a single 12V+ to run. It should be a keyed power source. IIRC, mine is more like a 10ga wire, so you might not be getting sufficient current through the 14ga. I'd pull a plug, set it on the exhaust manifold, & watch the spark while someone else cranks the motor a couple turns. Should give you an indication of whether you're getting a good spark. Also make sure your timing is correct.

 

 

I just grabbed the hot 12v wire that fed the Ford coil. Hot when ignition on, cold when off, and it's right there.

You can save yourself a pound by removing that coil too.

 

Be certain on that wire, the duraspark ran 5v engine running and 12v engine cranking, so you may be pulling resisted voltage by running through OEM harness.