Ok, here is some info that i found on the hei capacitor when troubleshooting a no start condition. Which isn't related to this topic but may not be bad info to have
Quote:
The capacitor in the base of an HEI distributor is there to suppress radio interference. It is not a condensor like a points-type distributor has
(Well, it is a condensor, because condensor is a very old word for capacitor, but not used for the same purpose.)
The symptom of an open one should be increased radio noise, especially on AM stations, not ignition failure. It is wired in parallel with the pink wire going to the HEI module and goes to ground. An open in the capacitor would not affect the circuit between the ignition coil and the module. A shorted capacitor, however, probably would cause failure of the ignition, because there would be a no-resistance path to ground for the current coming from the module.
GM typically has this radio interference suppression capacitor in the distributor (and it looks a lot like a points-style condensor), and another similar capacitor on the tach lead, also for interference suppression. Looking at the schematic, whether or not a failed capacitor would cause the engine not to run would depend on its mode of failure. I hope this helps.
Here's a pic of how i think Joshua is talking about wiring it...like the above quote states "It is wired in parallel with the pink wire going to the HEI module and goes to ground."(Well, it is a condensor, because condensor is a very old word for capacitor, but not used for the same purpose.)
The symptom of an open one should be increased radio noise, especially on AM stations, not ignition failure. It is wired in parallel with the pink wire going to the HEI module and goes to ground. An open in the capacitor would not affect the circuit between the ignition coil and the module. A shorted capacitor, however, probably would cause failure of the ignition, because there would be a no-resistance path to ground for the current coming from the module.
GM typically has this radio interference suppression capacitor in the distributor (and it looks a lot like a points-style condensor), and another similar capacitor on the tach lead, also for interference suppression. Looking at the schematic, whether or not a failed capacitor would cause the engine not to run would depend on its mode of failure. I hope this helps.
Here's a pic of the 1000uF 35WVDC that radio shack sells for $1.99 they also sell a 1000uF 50WVDC for $2.99
