MSD ignition trouble
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
When testing an ignition system do not allow the spark to jump distances over that in a spark plug or the excess voltage can weaken some of the components so they will fail later due to moisture (carbon tracking) etc.
You can save yourself a lot of trouble just by using the stock Duraspark ignition system. It is as good or better than the MSD up thru 6000 rpm. It also has a timing retard function to help starting. The OEM system is cheap, parts are readily available, and parts can be tested at any good parts store.
You can save yourself a lot of trouble just by using the stock Duraspark ignition system. It is as good or better than the MSD up thru 6000 rpm. It also has a timing retard function to help starting. The OEM system is cheap, parts are readily available, and parts can be tested at any good parts store.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: central illinois
msd also sells an ignition box that looks like a factory box, has performance upgrades, has 15 degree manual retard feature, and it plugs into factory harness and is cheaper than a msd6. irun one on my race truck and it pulls strong to over 7000 rpm
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Saraland AL
Howdy all. I finally got back to fooling with it today. I replaced the magnetic pickup. It starting bumping, but still not enough. The battery was the only thing that hasn't been replaced. I check it and it was 14.4 volts, so I had it checked on a tester at the parts store. It didn't pass the test, so I got a new Marine/RV battery. It helped, but not enough. Apparently, there's just not enough power in the pickup for the ignition.
I reinstalled (glad I left everything in place) the factory box and kept the MSD wires and coil. It hit right off. Idled well, revved well. The MSD Blaster 2 coil works very well. Wish I would have just went with it and the wires.
Anyway, anybody want a MSD 6A box. I'll let it go cheap because I ain't going to buy a MSD distributor!
I reinstalled (glad I left everything in place) the factory box and kept the MSD wires and coil. It hit right off. Idled well, revved well. The MSD Blaster 2 coil works very well. Wish I would have just went with it and the wires.
Anyway, anybody want a MSD 6A box. I'll let it go cheap because I ain't going to buy a MSD distributor!
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 821
Likes: 0
From: Normal, IL
Coondawg,
Glad to hear everythings going again. The one thing that you can do is bypass the factory coil power wire, and run a direct 12 volts. This will give you as high a power as an MSD. Also, MSD-8778 looks like a stock box, and has performance enhancements of the MSD 6, with a manual retard. This plugs right into the stock harness.
Glad to hear everythings going again. The one thing that you can do is bypass the factory coil power wire, and run a direct 12 volts. This will give you as high a power as an MSD. Also, MSD-8778 looks like a stock box, and has performance enhancements of the MSD 6, with a manual retard. This plugs right into the stock harness.
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