HEI install with Howell TBI

dres · 03-12-2006, 07:15 PM

I am having problems installing a HEI upgrade with the Howell TBI system. I have tried just about everyhting and I cannot get the engine to fire. There is spark going to the #1 but it seems as though no fuel is getting through. I tried the fuel line and there is fuel coming out, but the pump does not seem as loud as it used to be. I have the HEI going to a clean 12 volts. Some one told me it may be that I don't have a tachometer hooked up? Anyone that has done this before please chime in--I need my daily driver back. Dan

onehundred · 03-12-2006, 08:16 PM

I installed my HEI after I installed my Howell Fuel Injection I did not have any problems with the install. I ran my Tach lead to the Howell FI as instructed by the directions and ran my battery lead from the dist to a 12 volt source. I do not have a tach hooked up on my engine yet, but that has nothing to do with the engine not running. Good luck and I will try and answer any other questions you may have.

dres · 03-12-2006, 08:40 PM

I did not get any instructions with mine. I got the dist on ebay and then downloaded instructions from various installs on the web--none of them also installed with a TBI--where can I get those instructions? Thanks.

**CJ51973** · 03-13-2006, 06:30 AM

http://www.howell-efi.com/technical_support/jeep_kit.pdf

PrimerFJ40 · 03-13-2006, 06:47 AM

I have the Projection system and my fuel pump had to be primed. I pulled the fuel line coming in and just ran the fuel pump until it reached the intake. Look at the injectors and make sure that they are creating a cone shape coming out of each one while you are trying to crank it. If one is not working, it is very difficult to start. (My unit was used!) Also, the ECU does have to get a tach signal with mine in order to run. I think both Howell and Holley have the instructions and troubleshooting on line. Read up on the various sites, becuase there are different ways to hook the tach up, coil, dist output etc. Also, if possible make sure you are getting at least 9.6 volts to the fuel pump. Charge you battery or jump it in order to get enough current to pump the fuel all the way to the intake. How did you adjust the setting on your ECU? Also, I set my fuel pressure to the middle since I didn't have a gauge, and did further adjustments once I got it running. Hope this helps, good luck.

03-12-2006, 08:40 PM	#3
dres Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: LA Posts: 21 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I did not get any instructions with mine. I got the dist on ebay and then downloaded instructions from various installs on the web--none of them also installed with a TBI--where can I get those instructions? Thanks.

03-13-2006, 06:47 AM	#5
PrimerFJ40 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Richmond Posts: 26 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I have the Projection system and my fuel pump had to be primed. I pulled the fuel line coming in and just ran the fuel pump until it reached the intake. Look at the injectors and make sure that they are creating a cone shape coming out of each one while you are trying to crank it. If one is not working, it is very difficult to start. (My unit was used!) Also, the ECU does have to get a tach signal with mine in order to run. I think both Howell and Holley have the instructions and troubleshooting on line. Read up on the various sites, becuase there are different ways to hook the tach up, coil, dist output etc. Also, if possible make sure you are getting at least 9.6 volts to the fuel pump. Charge you battery or jump it in order to get enough current to pump the fuel all the way to the intake. How did you adjust the setting on your ECU? Also, I set my fuel pressure to the middle since I didn't have a gauge, and did further adjustments once I got it running. Hope this helps, good luck.