i've got the 396 that i was having problems with before. the problem i am having with it now is that it keeps burning up the distributor module. i've had 3 in it now. 2 brand new distributors and 1 new module. i've got 12.6 volts at the distributor. i can't seem to run the car more than 10 min.

thanks,
josh
65 malibu

Hey Josh,

Are you by chance using a load resistor (I think that's what it's called)? It's a small porcelain part with two terminals, similar to that used on the old Mopars. Years ago, I ran a "Unilite" and I had to use one.

nope i'm not. actually i went back out later and the car started, so it didn't burn up 4 modules just 3. i attribute that to the summit cap because it was on every distributor that went out. i have the accel cap and coil now and i still have spark.

josh

do you have dielectric grease under the module. Apparently that is critical to have there. It acts as a heat sink, they tell me. I'm no expert, but I have read posts saying this. Also there is a fish hook like ground wire inside the cap, under the coil. If this is missing, then there are problems.

yeah i had the dielectric stuff on it. after the change of distributor, cap and all over to accel i have had no problems. i think something wierd was wrong with the summit cap. maybe not but thats my guess.

Josh
65 malibu

Sounds like a shorted coil or higher current coil than stock? If it does it again I would replace the coil too.

Josh,
It sounds like you have it fixed but I wanted to add something anyway. It sounds like you have an HEI. Most HEI caps do not come with the "bent" ground strap that grounds the coil inside of the cap. A lot of guys do not pay attention to it when they are taking the old cap off, and the strap gets misplaced. Without the ground strap, the modules will continue to fail.
Hope this helps,

This ground strap on a HEI, is it the one that goes from the dist. terminal plug to the coil mounting screw? Dave

sorry i've been away for a week or so and broke down while towing my car out. i just moved back to school in san dimas CA. anyone close? I'm looking for a drag strip to run my car on. about the distributor. all is fine now. the summit hei is bad. the cap does have the ground strap, so i guess something else is bad. the cap came with the hei so it was new as well. the new accel is doing fine. thanks to all who replied.

josh
65 malibu