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Technical Duraspark II/HEI problem

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Harvey29, Apr 20, 2014.

  1. Harvey29
    Joined: Sep 29, 2010
    Posts: 176

    Harvey29
    Member
    from kansas

    Running a duraspark II distributor with 4 pin module and I'm pretty sure there dying because of heat but was wandering if anyone else was having this problem.

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  2. stimpy
    Joined: Apr 16, 2006
    Posts: 3,546

    stimpy

    the module has to be grounded and a large heatsink with the heat transfer paste applied to the backside to help ( the paste is needed ! ) . the HEI modules do not like heat and generate a lot of it . on conversions were we remove the amplifier( module ) from the distributor we mount them to the firewall and they last for a long time in this spot , I have hidden a few inside the car or in the wiper cowl bay . ( have to use a good weather tight connector ) just add a plate of aluminum 1/8' thick by 2x the size to the backside with the paste and mount it . and do not paint the plate or the module
     
  3. Harvey29
    Joined: Sep 29, 2010
    Posts: 176

    Harvey29
    Member
    from kansas

    I have it mounted under the cowl and added a heat sink but the module might be toasted already I'm going to try another one

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  4. FrozenMerc
    Joined: Sep 4, 2009
    Posts: 3,093

    FrozenMerc
    Member

    Make damn sure the ground is really good and everything else is grounded properly as well. Duraspark modules don't respond well to bad grounds or systems with large amounts of electrical noise in the system.
     

  5. zombie289
    Joined: Jul 8, 2008
    Posts: 89

    zombie289
    Member
    from SoCal

    I had a lot of issues until I moved the module inside the car away from the engine bay heat (still needs a heatsink though)
     
  6. I remember back when they came out with duraspspsrk. Had a reputation of being unreliable. I drove fords back then and had a spare module bolted next to each other just in case. Don't trust them today as they are getting even older. I just run petronics
     
  7. Harvey29
    Joined: Sep 29, 2010
    Posts: 176

    Harvey29
    Member
    from kansas

    I'm only running the duraspark distributor the module is 4 pin GM

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  8. FrozenMerc
    Joined: Sep 4, 2009
    Posts: 3,093

    FrozenMerc
    Member

    Well, there's your problem. Everyone knows you can't run a Ford Distributor with a GM module. Oil and Water, they just don't mix. :D

    Seriously though, sounds like a heat and / or grounding issue.
     
  9. Harvey29
    Joined: Sep 29, 2010
    Posts: 176

    Harvey29
    Member
    from kansas

    Just about done with the HEI module! Ready to go back to points, checked power, ground new pick up coil new module, new coil still won't run

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  10. Harvey29
    Joined: Sep 29, 2010
    Posts: 176

    Harvey29
    Member
    from kansas

    I've tried FIVE! different modules ONE! will work

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  11. stimpy
    Joined: Apr 16, 2006
    Posts: 3,546

    stimpy

    are you sure the input connections for the power in are on the correct posts if they are reversed it will not work . and I have seen some chicrap ones were they reversed the pole positions , also did you test the unit by using the HEI test proceedure use a old analog meter and check for pulses from the pick up coil , and you have to have 9 V minimum to the unit . and check all your wires to and from the unit for continuity . I had one were the wire was broke in the connector that drove us nuts for weeks being intermitant .
     
  12. Use a MSD box with that Duraspark and it'll run forever...
     
  13. Harvey29
    Joined: Sep 29, 2010
    Posts: 176

    Harvey29
    Member
    from kansas

    I've checked all of the connections new pick up coil, new module tried HEI and duraspark both still won't pulse the coil gonna try a new dizzy next

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  14. saltflats
    Joined: Aug 14, 2007
    Posts: 12,594

    saltflats
    Member
    from Missouri

    I am guessing that you have made sure the dist is turning. If this is a ford I have seen the roll pin shear on the drive gear.
     
  15. Harvey29
    Joined: Sep 29, 2010
    Posts: 176

    Harvey29
    Member
    from kansas

    Yes the dizzy spins I've had it out and even spun it by hand and got a a/c voltage signal

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  16. MeanGene427
    Joined: Dec 15, 2010
    Posts: 2,307

    MeanGene427
    Member
    from Napa

    Actually, the Duraspark with the cheap GM module works pretty well, and is the cheap option, which appeals to many- MSD works even better, and MSD even makes a harness that plugs the two together correctly for about $15. The Duraspark dizzy is a better unit than the HEI, and not so butt-ugly and huge- MSD uses Duraspark components in their dizzys. That GM module does need a good-sized heat sink to survive
     
  17. Harvey29
    Joined: Sep 29, 2010
    Posts: 176

    Harvey29
    Member
    from kansas

    Update: if I unplug the negative side of the coil the module will pulse, any ideas?

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  18. saltflats
    Joined: Aug 14, 2007
    Posts: 12,594

    saltflats
    Member
    from Missouri

    I don't recall reading about the coil you are using is it compatible with combination?
     
  19. When rigging the grounds on these I run the black Duraspark dizzy ground to the 4 pin tie down screw and also to the engine block. They should be common.

    Coil should be of the low ohm primary variety, is that what you are running?
     
  20. HemiRambler
    Joined: Aug 26, 2005
    Posts: 4,208

    HemiRambler
    Member

    I ran a Frankenstein HEI system once and it too kept eating modules...until I put an actual factory GM module in there. After that it was bullet proof.
     
  21. zombie289
    Joined: Jul 8, 2008
    Posts: 89

    zombie289
    Member
    from SoCal

    Make sure you have the module grounded through the thru bolt hole as shown in this pic or nothing will happen... I used a nut and bolt through the hole to connect a electrical terminal to a ground wire.
    [​IMG]
     
  22. Harvey29
    Joined: Sep 29, 2010
    Posts: 176

    Harvey29
    Member
    from kansas

    so far I have found one module that it will run on but the spark is very week

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  23. NUMA NEWBERN
    Joined: Sep 10, 2014
    Posts: 1

    NUMA NEWBERN

    GB56, I'm new to the group and was considering YOUR design of DS2 with the GM HEI, can you tell me the ACTUAL gage size & type WIRE you used to run from & to the HEI module? Maybe WHERE to get such good quality wire? I have a 1965 F100 with 240 inline I want to do a Electronic Dis with HEI, I've read so many problems with these conversions, I'm also considering DUE to these issues and wanting a compact setup the Performance Distributors HEI, pricey BUT all in one nice package but hate the close to $400.00 cost
     

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