I have an 86 fri150 with one barrel carb, i changed out the feedback card and nasty ignition system about 3 years ago. SO the other day the ignition module died. I bought a new replacement msd ignition module but now it dosent quite have the response as before. It is supposed to be a better ignition module so i wondering wich am i suppose to adjust the cab or timing. i know your going to tell me to dial in the timing( don't have a timing light) then adjust the carb. but I'd like to know what is the best approach without it.

 

If you don't have a vacuum gauge, obtain one. They are the cheapest yet most useful tool in the box. Hook it up to a full vacuum source. Turn the distributor one way or the other to obtain the highest steady reading and then back off 1-2 hg. Then adjust the carb mixture and idle speed using the same method to obtain the highest steady reading. You may have to go back and forth between the distributor and carb several times to get it dialed in. Then test drive to see if further adjustments are necessary.

 

I, too, have a 1986 which was converted to use a MSD ignition. I had the green and violet colored distributor feed wires connected incorrectly. It ran, but the timing was off.



The violet lead from the distributor does not connect to the violet line leading to the MSD ignition box.