MSD Ignition died
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 755
Likes: 1
From: Campbell, California
MSD Ignition died
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. If 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.
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. If 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.
Thank you for posting this information.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
From: Shamokin USA
MSD Ignition died
Dan,
Being in the racing biz, I've had a lot of dealings with MSD. They make a quality product. If you send the 6A box back to them, they will quote you a price on repairing it. Their repair prices are not all that bad. I have stuff repaired by them all the time. They will from time to time sell refurbished units cheap. Might be worth asking about.
Jimmie
2003 F250SD SC SB XLT
Being in the racing biz, I've had a lot of dealings with MSD. They make a quality product. If you send the 6A box back to them, they will quote you a price on repairing it. Their repair prices are not all that bad. I have stuff repaired by them all the time. They will from time to time sell refurbished units cheap. Might be worth asking about.
Jimmie
2003 F250SD SC SB XLT
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 8,238
Likes: 3
From: Oregon
MSD Ignition died
My MSD box got hit by a power surge when my wiring harness fried, which wiped it out shortly after warrenty. Even though it was my electrical systems fault, and the warrenty was up, they sent me a new one for free because it was still pretty new. How cool is that. They did recomend I use their msd part #8830 which you can get from summit for 30 bucks. Its basically a surge protector for your brainbox. Had I known about this I would have used one initially. I'd recomend it for any of you using an aftermarket electric ignition. I know mallory makes one for theirs too. Thought I'd throw out the fyi.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
debestuss
FE & FT Big Block V8 (332, 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, 428)
20
Mar 18, 2005 07:56 AM
79supercab4x4
Big Block V8 - 385 Series (6.1/370, 7.0/429, 7.5/460)
1
May 6, 2002 09:31 AM
