HEI no spark during crank problem

[85raiderburban]

seems ive read many threads on this issue yet no definite answer has been put out. 3 days ago i got finished putting an RV 454/700r4 in my suburban. Unable to get her fired up. The keyed on 12v wire that goes to the bat + terminal has power. ive tried so far

- connect to 12v junction block
- connect directly to the battery
- connecting directly to the alternator.

Still nothing.

HEI has new cap, coil, rotor. Ignition module tested good at autozone.
My next move is to run wire directly from the bat + to the starter's R terminal as if this was a points-to-HEI conversion.
I just dont see how something do simple can be a PAIN in the ass.

any suggestions would be great.

[Kenfuzed]

Are you getting any spark at the plugs?

[85raiderburban]

No, not gettin any spark at the plugs

[cadillac_al]

Sometimes a module can be bad and still test out good. If 2 good modules don't work then I would start looking for a broken wire in there. I guess pick ups can go bad but it never happened to me except for the broken wire.

[Mr.Chevy4x4]

Did you remember to put the metal ground strap back in when you replaced the coil?

Mike

[85raiderburban]

Originally Posted by Mr.Chevy4x4

Did you remember to put the metal ground strap back in when you replaced the coil?

Mike

yes i remembered that. i am now have 10 gauge wire from starter R terminal spliced into keyed on 12v (goes to bat + on HEI) wire that comes out the firewall and still no spark. im guessing ignition module is the next step

[2manycars2littletime]

Did you verify that the keyed 12V feed is energized in the "Start" position as well as in "Run"?

I have had 12V with the key in the on or run position, but it dropped out in the start position because the two ignition (Run and Start) outputs were not jumpered together.

[RUN GMC]

Did you check the original grounds from and to motor.......my 87 GMC runs power to form alt to battery and cable to starter but my buddy's 86 Chevy runs from alt to starter and battery to starter but not alt to battery......grounds intake to firewall, block to frame, battery to frame....

[Kenfuzed]

I would isolate the ign switch by running a 10ga from either the battery or alternator output direct to the + on the distributor, then crank it over. If you get spark then you've eliminated distributor (module, pickup, ground) and can then look at the ignition switch.

[85raiderburban]

Originally Posted by Kenfuzed

I would isolate the ign switch by running a 10ga from either the battery or alternator output direct to the + on the distributor, then crank it over. If you get spark then you've eliminated distributor (module, pickup, ground) and can then look at the ignition switch.

yes, i forgot to mention i tried that also. No spark resulted.

Originally Posted by 2manycars2littletime

Did you verify that the keyed 12V feed is energized in the "Start" position as well as in "Run"?

I have had 12V with the key in the on or run position, but it dropped out in the start position because the two ignition (Run and Start) outputs were not jumpered together.

i hooked a light to the pink 12v keyed on wire and it stayed on in both modes. it was quite dim during starter cranking. could you provide a diagram of what wires are supposed to bd jumpered? So i know what to look for.

Originally Posted by RUN GMC

Did you check the original grounds from and to motor.......my 87 GMC runs power to form alt to battery and cable to starter but my buddy's 86 Chevy runs from alt to starter and battery to starter but not alt to battery......grounds intake to firewall, block to frame, battery to frame....

this how i bought the truck, similar to your bud's '86: has 12v cable to the starter and smaller 12 gauge wire extended from that cable to (+) junction block on firewall. another 12 gauge wire from the junction block back to the alterator.

Ground is cable to engine block, bolted strap from rear driver side head to the firewall. smaller 12 gauge wire from cable to near the radiatiator support. Anything i should modify or add? Let me know, thanks

[85raiderburban]

UPDATE: Got her runnin'! i changed the ignition control module and kept the starter R terminal attached and she fired up. More crap to to do to the truck before she road ready tho. Thanks again guys for all the help!