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Could my problem be my MSD?

Posted By: Kidsixpack

Could my problem be my MSD? - 05/16/15 11:02 PM

A few years ago I added an MSD 6AL to my otherwise stock six pack Bee.
I have no spark. I checked the coil and ballast and they are both good.
Is it my MSD box? How can I test my box to see if it's any good. Is it common for these to fail?
Thanks
KID
Posted By: OzHemi

Re: Could my problem be my MSD? - 05/16/15 11:07 PM

You don't use a ballast with an MSD..

And, if you do have any issue with the MSD box, they are really good about taking care of you! My buddy had an odd issue in his ignition system (all MSD) and they just said to send everything in if he liked...so he did..coil, distributor and 6AL. They rebuild the distributor and box (coil was fine) and sent it all back, no charge. up
Posted By: ademon

Re: Could my problem be my MSD? - 05/16/15 11:20 PM

Like stated no ballast with MSD, you should be able to go to MSD's site and look for the trouble shooting section. If I remember you should get a spark when you ground one wire or something.
Posted By: 70sixpkrt

Re: Could my problem be my MSD? - 05/16/15 11:59 PM

I had this problem about 6 years ago. A wire in the plastic connector out of the box came loose.
Posted By: Kidsixpack

Re: Could my problem be my MSD? - 05/17/15 01:06 AM

I've been running with the ballast the whole time and as far as I know I've not had issues. I'll try disconnecting it to see if there is any change.
Thanks
KID
Posted By: mopars4ever

Re: Could my problem be my MSD? - 05/17/15 01:22 AM

MSD recommends to bypass the ballast. I doubt that is your issue though but it is worth a try.
Posted By: Mr340

Re: Could my problem be my MSD? - 05/17/15 02:06 AM

Try this
http://www.msdignition.com/page.aspx?id=3206
Posted By: Kidsixpack

Re: Could my problem be my MSD? - 05/17/15 02:29 AM

Originally Posted By Mr340


Lots of guidance here! It's going to take me some time. Thanks for all the info guys!
KID
Posted By: rowin4

Re: Could my problem be my MSD? - 05/17/15 02:45 AM

The biggest problem with MSD boxes is the person that installed it, Most just put a screw in the painted sheet metal for the ground wire. Screw loosens up over time and the box looses ground. Dam MSD box, engine misses and sometimes doesn't run.
Posted By: sleddinfool

Re: Could my problem be my MSD? - 05/18/15 04:19 AM

Mine has a light on it that blinks or turns on when it is powered up.. I think you touch the white wire to ground and should see spark. Kevin
Posted By: Pyper70

Re: Could my problem be my MSD? - 05/18/15 04:52 PM

I had my MSD box go dead as I mounted it upside down above my glovebox liner on my 70 Charger...damn thing would always buzz too...

There is a shortcut to do ...ask on MSD forums....you short two of the wires and listen for an arc...if you have an arc...you have a good MSD box. Have you checked to make sure the black cable is on a good ground and if your 16ga red wire is actually making contact with keyed 12v?
Posted By: dogdays

Re: Could my problem be my MSD? - 05/18/15 06:00 PM

I know some have trouble reading, but MSD has blanketed the Web with wiring diagrams. There is no excuse for having an improperly wired MSD. Well, if you are blind and working alone, then yes there is an excuse. Otherwise, no excuses.

Sounds harsh, but really? There are only six wires, five if you run points. Two to the battery, two to the coil, two to the electronic pickup or one to the points. That's it. The box is grounded by connecting the fat black wire to the battery. DUH!

The procedure for testing is likewise all over the Web. Using the white wire is the easiest for me.

R.
Posted By: John_Kunkel

Re: Could my problem be my MSD? - 05/18/15 08:56 PM


The early MSD instructions ignored the unique Mopar ignition switch with the separate IGN1 and IGN2 circuits so it was easy to mis-wire them.

Box test instructions:

http://www.msdignition.com/page.aspx?id=3206
Posted By: Kidsixpack

Re: Could my problem be my MSD? - 05/22/15 10:32 PM

Looks like my distributor is to blame. Got another and the car fired right up! I'm really glad the MSD is still working properly.
Thanks for all the input guys!
KID
Posted By: RapidRobert

Re: Could my problem be my MSD? - 05/23/15 02:45 AM

Any idea on what went wonky in the dist? Does the pickup have continuity? generates ~1 AC volt when cranking?. I'm assuming the gap was still good.
Posted By: Kidsixpack

Re: Could my problem be my MSD? - 05/23/15 11:59 AM

At this point I really don't know. I just swapped it out.
KID
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