It is very inconsistent but, every so often when I take my 65 chevelle with a 302 out for a drive suddenly it will completely shut off. The car cranks but will not start. I have to wait about 30 min, Im guessing for something to cool down then it will start fine. I am running a hei MSD ignition system. Could this be something with the condenser getting hot? Any help is appreciated.

Just for starts if you haven't already, check all the grounds and get the multimeter out and make sure everything is within parameters. It's free , takes no time and will be a good base point.


However you say you have an hei and from my own experiences if youre shy about putting that silicone(i don't remember) gel stuff on the control module inside it can overheat and cause all sorts of stupid problems. Just some thoughts.

If it shuts down suddenly with no warning I would first check for something grounding out or loose cable.

I agree that it probably is a bad HEI module. When mine used to go bad I would get some misfiring before the car shutoff. Just like you I had to wait 15 minutes or so before it would start up again.

What I recommend is to pick up an new module from your parts store - they are pretty cheap - and keep it in the car with you. The next time your car shuts off, swap in the new module. If it starts right up you found your problem. Its not a bad idea to always keep a spare module in the car anyway.

Sounds like a heat related issue. I had this with a foreign car. The module would heat up and the car would stall. I would buy a can of compressed air, used for cleaning computer components etc., and spray it on the module when the car stalls. The compressed air will cool the module down quickly. If the car starts after this, you need a module. Jerry