starting issue with new msd distributor
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starting issue with new msd distributor
hey im having a annoying problem here. i have a new msd pro billit ready to run distributor in my freshly rebuilt 390. for a few months i ran the old points style in the new motor and never had any real starting issue. well now that i have the new msd unit in it its a very tempramental beast. with the old motor and the old dist. in it it didnt matter how cold it gets. last year we hit -50 windchills and the truck started every time i hit the key, never needed a jump. now with everything new, and i mean pretty much everything. one day it will start the next it wont unless i jump it. the other day it woldnt start so i just left it sit, a few hrs later went out and it started right up. i changed the ignition switch and it seemed to help but now its back to starting only if it wants to. when it wont start, it will if it gets a jump. motor spins over just fine without the jump but it doesnt seem to get spark. so has anyone one else used these msd units before? and im not running the box its the stand alone distributor.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,052
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From: Alvarado, TX
Sounds like a wiring issue. Next time it doesn't want to start try leaving the key in the run position and jump the terminals on the starter solenoid to crank it. I'll bet it fires up. When it's acting up does it ever fire just as you release the key back to the run position? If so that would indicate that you're not getting power to the ignition system in the start position. Double check the install instructions and chase all the wires to make sure all the connections are good.
On a side note, even though you're running a stand alone dizzy the box makes a big difference. I have a similar setup and I wired the box so that all I have to do is switch four wires around under the dash to bypass it if it were to crap out. I've run it both ways to compare and it sucks without the box. It's harder to start and doesn't run near as well.
On a side note, even though you're running a stand alone dizzy the box makes a big difference. I have a similar setup and I wired the box so that all I have to do is switch four wires around under the dash to bypass it if it were to crap out. I've run it both ways to compare and it sucks without the box. It's harder to start and doesn't run near as well.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
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From: Big Sky Country
This scenario seems similar to yours...Reader Tech Questions - Big-Block Ignition - Car Craft Magazine
Save the old ones
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 666
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From: Boyne Mich
Well you're freakin me out..
I have a completely rebuilt 351W, I havent started yet, with a MSD ready to run dizzy.
I'm currently building a set of headers and won't be ready to fire this thing for a another month maybe. ( yeah, i'm slow as *ell)
I have a completely rebuilt 351W, I havent started yet, with a MSD ready to run dizzy.
I'm currently building a set of headers and won't be ready to fire this thing for a another month maybe. ( yeah, i'm slow as *ell)
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yeah actually it pops when i let go of the key so thats why i changed the ignition. i have even gone as far as a jumper wire to the coil off of the bat to get full voltage. damn thing still didnt want to start. it was a bad time too, truck died on the road for a diff reason and fixed that but still wouldnt start. the bad part was it was -8 out and had to walk over a mile to a house. made my phone call and walked back to the truck, hit the key and the damn thing fired right up. i was sitting there laughing and saying wtf.
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wow, just read the link posted and sounds really close to my problem. i may need to change my ground wire. been wanting to do that anyways. i think i have a combination of problem. bad grounding, with the factory resistor wire still causing problems.
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