Water proofing my HEI

[deek]

I want it sealed up and plan on doing RVT or silicone around the base, But my main problem is condensation. can you put a breather on a distributor? if so how, or is it even needed. also what should i use to seal up my plug wires. Please /forums/images/graemlins/1zhelp.gif

 

[R72K5]

why do that ?
ive never had a probolem with water and HEI

 

[TorkDSR]

yes, you have to vent it to let out the carbon from the contacts. otherwise you'll need to change cap and rotor with every oil change....or so ive read

ryan

 

[getitup]

I have heard of people sealing up their cap and then running a small vacuum to it so no condensation will build up. I have never tried it so I am not sure how well it works.

 

[BlazerGuy]

Yes, you will need to run a vent line of some sort from the distributor if you seal it.

 

[the professor]

THe third post is right..
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Seal a HEI and you will have nothing but problems..
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40-50,000 volts, arcing from the rotor to the contacts produces lots of "ionazation", the "air" inside the cap gets conductive, just like a fluorescent light bulb...
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You will get all kinds of problems, from missfire to crossfire
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You are better off, drilling .040 holes, near the top of the cap on the side, between the terminals, to "vent" it..(old drag race trick).and letting engine heat keep it dry.. Shield it with a rubber boot if you get alot of splash... get one off a 5.0L Ford from the mid '80's up...

Speaking of Ford.. They HAVE a vent in the cap, just for this reason...and the boot to shield the distributor.. and their distributor is in the front...take a look

/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/truck.gif

 

[dyeager535]

[ QUOTE ]
Speaking of Ford.. They HAVE a vent in the cap, just for this reason

[/ QUOTE ]

My '88 TPI has a vent as well, but its a mesh screen at the base of the distributor. Those of us that don't run Fords don't have to worry about water splashing on the distributor nearly as much. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif (only joking folks)