Alright.

So I just replaced my first set of head gaskets (I read and followed all the torque specs like they were the Bible), and everything seemed fine.

I replaced my rotor as well, since the old one was cracked. I had already replaced my HEI and coil, so they’re fine.

Here’s the issue: I start the engine and it runs beautifully. Better than ever before. But after a time, sometimes five minutes, sometimes fifteen, it will die suddenly. No stuttering, no sputtering. Just dies quietly and quickly.

To make it run again, I just have to fiddle with the distributor wires - either the power wire from the ignition OR the triple plug from the base of the distributor. I unplug one or the other and just plug it back in.

Every single time I do this, the engine will immediately fire right back up and spin merrily along ... for another few minutes.

My contacts are original, but they’re in good shape, with no corrosion. I’m not sure what could be doing this.

What say you?

 

Welcome!
What vehicle/year/motor?