Re: SiX-fo SuBuRbAn
 

When you wired in the HEI, did you run a new wire to be sure it has a full 12 volts from the ignition switch? The original coil wire in the Suburban wire harness does not provide enough voltage.

Re: SiX-fo SuBuRbAn
 

I wired it to the "ignition switched" post on the fuse block, there are two of these terminals towards the left top... should I try wiring it to something else?

Re: SiX-fo SuBuRbAn
 

I guess it says "ign. unfused"

still trying to fix it without spending lots of $$, and today tried changing the coil out, cursing that I didn't put the engine 1 inch forward, the dist. is super close to the firewall and a ***** to get off!
anyway that did not help, the spark is super weak: with the screw driver in the plug wire to hood hinge test it gives a pathetic little orange spark.
I might run a jumper wire from the battery to the dist. connection to rule out a wiring harness problem?
and I am about ready to "borrow" the cap and wires of one of my running trucks to see if that fixes the problem.

Re: SiX-fo SuBuRbAn
 

That source should be fine. I just didn't know I you knew about having to have a full 12 volts to the distributor. Do you have good grounds to both the engine and body?

Re: SiX-fo SuBuRbAn
 

that is something I should check, I am pretty sure I hooked those up, but might have missed them....

Re: SiX-fo SuBuRbAn
 

Com'on man.. You have to have a torch in that shop somewhere don't you?

Re: SiX-fo SuBuRbAn
 

:banghead:
Double checked, ground straps are there. Pulled cap and wires off a running truck, and put them on, still no start, put a jumper wire from batt terminal directly to the battery, still nothing.
This wouldn't be so frustrating if it never ran, but last summer I fired it up for a few minutes, and the before I discovered the carb trouble I got it to run. Also, after the first carb cleaning I did get it to run for at least a minute.
The only thing I haven't changed is the plugs, so next I will try a new set of plugs-maybe with the gummed up carb and priming and such the plugs have been fouled.
I hope that is it.

Re: SiX-fo SuBuRbAn
 

Try changing the module in the base of the distributor.

Re: SiX-fo SuBuRbAn
 

Just a shot in the dark ..had a jeep that would not fire up ..turned out the brass part in the boot had moved back to far on the coil ...had use a pick to move it back in place so it could get a better spark

Re: SiX-fo SuBuRbAn
 

will do

good tip, but this is an hei.

got the plugs, haven't put 'em in , but had to laugh at the parts store today.
"I need plugs for a '66 396"
"truck ? "
"sure"
"1/2 or 3/4 ton?"
"1/2"
"2 wheel drive or 4?"
"hmm, lets say 2"
pause....
"they don't show a 396 for a truck"
"Oh yeah, forgot.. make that an impala,66."
"Hmmm, 250?"
"No..... a 396."
"oh OK here they are..."
:lol:

Re: SiX-fo SuBuRbAn
 

ok I need more info on this project, and did you ever get it to fire up if not let me know I hade an issue with my 57 and it turned out to be and its been a long time agao but I think I shorted out the coil , not sure if that helps but now my brain will have to try to remember what the heck it was I will get back with you.

Re: SiX-fo SuBuRbAn
 

it got cold outside so I quit messing with it for a while...

I never did get it to run, started changing the plugs out, and got a few done, then a friend stopped by and we messed with it for about a half hour, we got it to fire a little bit, and adjusted the timing, it was real touchy, a tiny bit advanced, or retarded and it wouldn't fire at all....on a warm day I am going to get the rest of the plugs, and chase the rest of the system if needed.

Re: SiX-fo SuBuRbAn
 

.... well the warm day finally came- yesterday I pushed this 'burb into the garage, installed the rest of the new plugs, threw a battery in it, primed it, and it fired up like there had never been an issue at all!! -go figure

now I can get going on finishing up the sheet metal work.

Re: SiX-fo SuBuRbAn
 

How's the project coming along?

Re: SiX-fo SuBuRbAn
 

Following if the project is still going on

Re: SiX-fo SuBuRbAn
 

so glad you included pictures. i will be rebuilding mine soon...

Re: SiX-fo SuBuRbAn
 

I was looking at this thread, and realized I hadn't done anything to this in the last 3 years! I always intend to get to it, and something else always comes up! I'll keep trying....

Re: SiX-fo SuBuRbAn
 

Jon; it is amazing how time flies by!
Ron

Re: SiX-fo SuBuRbAn
 

This has been great to read up on. I got on this forum a while back and have hit it up periodically since with little reading and a few questions. My project has been very slow going since I picked up my grandpas old farm truck in 2013, a 66 GMC K1000. I found your thread while seeking axle swap info and it took me a long time to find it again. I love your burb, especially the early hood, and would kill to find a decent one for my truck. I hope you managed some time to get back to it, see it's been a few months since you posted an update.
:gmc2: