I am running a brand new mallory HEI in my 383, which I just got fired up a month or so ago.

I bolted my new exhaust up and was very excited to hear the sound coming out of those magnaflows with x-pipe for the first time. The new mini-starter responded with enthusiasm, but not the motor. No spark.

Last night I took the ignition module out of the HEI and I notice a very hot spot in the plastic on top where it has actually formed tiny heat bubbles. Are these modules just cheap & crappy from the get go? I bought an accel unit to replace it. I see on the box, the accel made in the good ol' USA.

What could cause it to burn up that fast, or is this a very common problem? Can it be caused by leaving the key in the "ign" position too long?

I've posted my opinion before. I don't use any besides a Delco in my stock HEIs. Had issues with other replacement brands. I don't have any facts but a lot of other opinions on why other brands don't work for me.
No leaving the key on does not do the same thing as a points ignition.

Yes...I had the module in a BRAND new aftermarket HEI distributor last 20 minutes of run time. Just enough time to warm the engine up, set timing and carb. :(

Where could I get delco modules? Or, if you could share the part number, that would work.

Bill, thats pretty much what I went through. This motor has seen 40 minutes of run time, tops.

Where could I get delco modules?
Any decent auto parts store...preferable one manned by a counter person that can think past a computer screen! ;)

I get mine, for the stock GM distrbutors, from a Chevy dealer. I just tell them 76 Camaro.

Well, it was definitely the hei module. Got the new one swapped in and got the dist all buttoned up, the thing fired right up... which was amazing since it hadn't ran for about 3 weeks.

Did you see any white grease under the module when you swapped in the new one? It's there to help transfer heat from the module to the base which acts as a heat sink.

Yep there was some white grease. I put more on anyway.

My experience is that Delcos, Accels and Echlins (NAPA) are as good as it gets.

You have to use heatsink compound and..... while I know modules are not like points, I have eaten a few modules by leaving the ignition on too long for stereo playing in a non-accessory position ignition switch leading to this...

http://www.indyquest.citymax.com/i/car%20pics/PICT0028.JPG

Nice '57!!!!!! :thumbsup: :D :beers:

Make sure that your grounds are in place for the electrical system, esp the under hood grounds.