msd troubles
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msd troubles
Well ive tried everything and I cant get my msd to give a spark. The truck runs with the stock ignition but not with the 6al. Anyone ever have this issue? I just want my ol 400 to have a hotter spark
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
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From: Austin, TX
Can you describe how your system is wired? Are you using the original distributor as a trigger?
For what it's worth, in regard to your comment about "hotter spark," keep in mind that a lot of "performance ignition" is marketing hype, especially with a stock motor. For a given plug gap, there's a scientifically controlled range of voltage that can be applied to the plug - any more burns the plug, any less simply doesn't work. All the ignition has to do is literally create that spark, which the factory box does just fine. "Hotter" spark means different things to different people, and a lot of folks will swear by their "performance ignition" - but having paid a lot of money for something can make you feel like it was worth it. Just something to keep in mind if it becomes too much of a headache.
For what it's worth, in regard to your comment about "hotter spark," keep in mind that a lot of "performance ignition" is marketing hype, especially with a stock motor. For a given plug gap, there's a scientifically controlled range of voltage that can be applied to the plug - any more burns the plug, any less simply doesn't work. All the ignition has to do is literally create that spark, which the factory box does just fine. "Hotter" spark means different things to different people, and a lot of folks will swear by their "performance ignition" - but having paid a lot of money for something can make you feel like it was worth it. Just something to keep in mind if it becomes too much of a headache.
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Ive got a distributor with an msd cap, The msd blaster 2 coil, msd 8.5 wires, and accel u groove spark plugs. The engine is bored 30 over with a mild lope cam, its making roughly 450hp and the problem is that when im pulling (truck pulling) down the track it spits and sputters horribly. I was told an msd box would fix that. Let me know if any other information can help
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Colorado
Check the wiring diagram again .The 6AL is a simple hookup . In my humble opinion it is better than the Duraspark . I have used mine on different engines and vehicles . In addition ,I had a couple of Duraspark distributors recurved .The MSD distributor works better for me . OEM parts are often the best , but they are built for a broad range of duties .Sometimes you have to pay more money to get what you want , otherwise all Fords would still be painted black , like Henery wanted .
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By looking at the diagram it should be easy but for some reason still no spark. I'll check it again tomorrow on fresh eyes but for now I believe I have it wired correctly. Could it be something with the rev limiter? Is there a start up process or something I need to do before the first start up that I somehow missed? Otherwise im thinking I managed to get the faulty one :/
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Colorado
By looking at the diagram it should be easy but for some reason still no spark. I'll check it again tomorrow on fresh eyes but for now I believe I have it wired correctly. Could it be something with the rev limiter? Is there a start up process or something I need to do before the first start up that I somehow missed? Otherwise im thinking I managed to get the faulty one :/
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2010
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Make sure the MSD wire for key + is hot in the cranking mode. I got caught out on that one once.
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I had trouble with a 6AL box when I first installed it a few years ago even though I followed the included wiring diagram. Here is a link to a post I made in a thread a couple years ago about it trying to help someone else out. I don't know if this is your exact problem or not, but it may help you. Check the light on the box and see if it is lighting up as you are trying to start your vehicle.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post11885763
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post11885763
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That is what mine was doing because the box was not getting power in the start position, only in the run position. When I turned the key, the engine spun but did not fire.
The 6AL has a red indicator light on it. If you look at the light while someone is cranking the engine, is the light blinking? If not, then the box is not getting any power. If it is blinking then the problem lies elsewhere and is different than what I experienced.
The 6AL has a red indicator light on it. If you look at the light while someone is cranking the engine, is the light blinking? If not, then the box is not getting any power. If it is blinking then the problem lies elsewhere and is different than what I experienced.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2010
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The MSD has 2 hot wires 1 big one directly to the batt 1 to a 12V ignition source, that source must have 12V when cranking, not all circuits in the truck maintain 12V when the key is in the crank position.
Put a test light on the circuit that you have used and see what it does while cranking.
Good luck.
Put a test light on the circuit that you have used and see what it does while cranking.
Good luck.
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