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I have a 283 with stock GM HEI distributor in my '49. The other day it just quit. When I checked there was no spark. So far, I've changes the module, pick-up coil, rotor cap and cover, even the coil in the cap. Luckily, I had almost all of this stuff already, so it didn't cost a whole lot. Another problem is when I put the distributor back in it was about 90 degrees off. I've heard of it being 180 degrees off, but not 90. When I brought number 1 piston up on compression stroke, the rotor was pointed to number 4 spark plug wire instead of number 1. Hope somebody has some ideas. I'm running out of hair!! Thanks

Did you make sure the coil wire is powered, and it's making a good connection to the distributor?

What is the HEI out of? A 283 never had HEI as factory equipment.

Yeah, wire going up to the coil is hot. That was the first thing I checked. The HEI is out of a mid 70's Monte Carlo.

You really didn't need to remove the distributor to change out the parts, but since you did, you just re-installed it out of phase from where you removed it. It can get out of timing any number of degrees by having it a few teeth off or 5-6 and even by rotating the engine with the distributor out of the engine.

Pablos49,

Sounds like you need to re-drop the distributor in with it on #One firing position. Notice how much it turns,(turn it back that much to line up with #One when it's seated) as it drops in. does the distributor shaft drop all the way aligned into the oil pump shaft?

look up a valve adjustment chart for #One and look at the other valves to adjust, they can tell you if your on #One.
Small Block Chevy Valve Adjustment Order 0 deg TDC, both number one valves shut.
look at the #3 exhaust valve & look at the #5 intake valve, if they are opening; your not on #One. rotate 360.

make sure the wires coming out of the distibutor aren't broken or grounding out.

You have to pull the center shaft out of the distributor in order to R&R the pick-up coil.

I'm starting to think it would just be easier to move the spark plug wires around.

I hope you're not serious. Do it right and get the distributor put in and phased right.

Update: I finally have spark, but it still won't start. I shot a little (VERY little) shot of starter fluid in the carb yesterday and it tried to start. It looks like I may have a little kink in the rubber fuel line leading up to the pump. I'm going to try getting that out of it today and see if that helps. I have a clear fuel filter on top where I can see it and there doesn't seem to be much in there. I replaced the pump 2 weeks ago, so it shouldn't be that. But I guess I could have gotten a bad one. Oh, by the way. I finally got the distributer set in there right. All the wires are where they should be. Thanks for all the help.

Did you redrop the distributor? If you just moved the wires you risk not getting oil to the crankshaft and burning the bearings. First lesson I learned the hard way many years ago.Larry