Dead '77 with a 472
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Stillwater, OK
Dead '77 with a 472
Well I was driving home from work last night and it died. No popping, no sputtering, just quit. I have fuel going to the cylinders, replaced the MSD 6A module with an OEM, and tested for spark. No spark, "new" ignition module idea didn't work. Is there a way to test the coil? Shouldn't be the coil (4 month old MSD Blaster 2), but I have had them go bad before. I did pull the distridutor cap and noticed that the rotor was cracked. Would that have anything to do with it? All contacts are good and there is minimal slack in the rotor. I wouldn't think that it would cause it to just up and quit like that. Any way to test an MSD 6A? Anyway, I'm not too good with the electrical side of things and a little dunb founded at this point. Hope everyone is having a good weekend. Thanks in advance.
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From: Duncan B.C.
The cracked rotor makes me wonder about the roll pin that holds the drive gear on the bottom of the distributor. I have had a few of them break and it behaves as you describe; just like you turned off the ignition. Check to make sure the rotor is turning when you crank it and that you can't turn it without the engine turning over.
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From: Stillwater, OK
Well that happened to me last week. I replaced it and that was one of the things that I checked. No spin in the rotor. Still no spark though, regardless of where the rotor was. Headed out to check both sides of the ignition module for power. Thanks for the input.
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Freshman User
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From: Stillwater, OK
OK, I think I have the issue. No power to the positive side of the coil. Nothing all the way back to the box. I have never had an MSD 6AL go bad! Think there is any way that it can be fixed? Don't really have the spare funds to buy a brand new one. I do have an OEM ignition box, but really like that MSD. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again gentlemen.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Mountville PA
read the bottom of page 9 into page 10 it will tell you how to check the msd http://static.summitracing.com/globa...0_frm28645.pdf
or if you can pick up one of these for in the glove box http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/...bCategoryName=
or if you can pick up one of these for in the glove box http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/...bCategoryName=
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,937
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From: wyoming
I onced had 2 msd failures. My alternator/voltage regulator was the cause. The diode in the regulator failed and sent a positive voltage into my negative side and failed my box. Not realizing this I installed a new box and killed it also. Short story is expensive. I now have a 1 wire system on my truck and aftermarket alternator. Sent both boxes off to msd and got repaired. Hope this helps.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Big Sky Country
Check for continuity in your resistance wire between ignition switch and coil.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Colorado Springs
on a bronco i used to have, i replaced the msd 6 controller box 5 times over a couple years. I had it to a shop which could not figure out why it kept failing, and i never figured out why either, so it got sold cheap. same happened with my friends cherokee cheif, he replaced his several times before changing it out for the stock setup again. then again, my f350 has only needed one replacement box in 10 years. go figure.
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Stillwater, OK
Well I tried to run a hot wire from the battery to the ignition switch wire on the box thinking it was an ignition switch failure (beyond "on"). With a test light, I get a blink on the negative side of the coil when trying to start. I have had the same MSD 6AL in my race car for over 12 years now and no issues. It has been through 3 cars, one of them a daily driver. I hate for it to be the box, but its not looking good. I connected an OEM box and have power to both sides of the coil, but still no fire...I am about to buy a Painless kit and fix this entire problem in one weekend! Thanks for the input guys, every little bit helps.
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Stillwater, OK
What about the pick-up coil? Is there a way to test that? The box has been ruled out, thanks to the help of kingford72, but I am starting to think that it might be the magnetic pick-up...
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Stillwater, OK
Not the pick-up coil! Completely replaced it and nothing! Getting really frustrated...again. Box has power, both from the battery and the ignition...coil is charging...I have full continuity from all wires going to and from the ignition box...the moment I disconnect the magnetic pick up wires (from the box) it breaks the circuit and fires a cylinder! I am dumb founded. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Back out under the hood to trace wires and make use of that multimeter!
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