MSD Ignition died
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 755
Likes: 1
From: Campbell, California
MSD Ignition died
http://www.dan.prxy.org/avatar_image/MSD.jpg
I'm not complaining, I got about 12 years (and two vehicles) of service out of this MSD 6A module. I thought I would share this with the group. The only warning sign I got that this module was failing was that my after market tach was acting very erratic. At the time I thought the tach was going out, but in hindsight I think it was reacting to the MSD Module going out.
I was merging on to the freeway and boom, engine died. I pulled off to the side of the freeway and tried to start the engine, it wouldn't start. Once I opened the hood I could smell burnt electronics. Unplugged the MSD module and reinstalled the stock wiring and the truck started right up.
After I replaced the failed module with a new one, I drilled out the rivets and opened it up. About an ounce of water poured out of the casing. I you look in the upper right hand corner, you can see the burn marks on the side of the casing. Looks like one of those power transistors shorted out and went up in a cloud of smoke.
The casing is not sealed against the elements, but the components appear to be covered with epoxy or some sort of sealant. Lesson learned: mount the thing right side up or and an angle so that water can drain out if any get in there.
If you can identify the power transistors, you can replace them and be good for another 12 years. 
