MSD 6AL test

Posted By: therocks

MSD 6AL test - 04/20/10 05:39 PM

Went to fire the 440 and no spark.It did start for a few seconds then quit.I have 6al dist and Blaster coil.Have power on small red to box and the large red and ground are good.Plug to dist is connected.I see no volts to coil with key on with DVOM.Any tests to run?I might swap my kids coil just to see if that is the problem.Rocky

Posted By: Red Express

Re: MSD 6AL test - 04/20/10 06:01 PM

check the gap on the elec points in the dist... I fought with a 6AL for months one winter and it ended up my gap was to big... I think it needs to be around .006"... which is a peice of paper folded in half.

worth a try.

Posted By: therocks

Re: MSD 6AL test - 04/20/10 06:05 PM

Ill check it but the MSD dist has been running in it for 8 years at least.Had it running about a month ago and it was fine.Rocky

Posted By: Posest

Re: MSD 6AL test - 04/20/10 06:06 PM

I ran into this about ten years ago also. I contacted MSD and was told that there is no voltage at the coil until the engine is turning over. They had me test the unit by pulling the coil wire and seeing if there was spark when I turned the engine over. There is another test of crossing two wires briefly and seeing if the coil sparks. I will see if I can find my book to find this test.

Posted By: MarkZ

Re: MSD 6AL test - 04/20/10 08:12 PM

Unplug the pickup, turn the ignition on, and jump the two wires together briefly. If the box is firing you'll definitely hear it. MSD boxes are noisy little critters.

Posted By: therocks

Re: MSD 6AL test - 04/20/10 11:11 PM

I try unplugging the dist in the AM.My box has always been quiet.So I have to jump the wires that go to the box?I believe one is purple and cant remember the other color.Rocky

Posted By: Blakcharger440

Re: MSD 6AL test - 04/21/10 12:05 AM

Quote:

I try unplugging the dist in the AM.My box has always been quiet.So I have to jump the wires that go to the box?I believe one is purple and cant remember the other color.Rocky

I think he means the two wires that go from the distributor back to the MSD box.

It will be interesting to see what you find out as mine did the same thing about 3weeks ago.

Posted By: Mr340

Re: MSD 6AL test - 04/21/10 12:15 AM

coil wire 1/2" from ground, disconnect trigger wire to dist. turn on ign. and jump the violet and green wire. spark should jump from coil wire to ground every time you jump the wires. If not replace the coil.

Posted By: therocks

Re: MSD 6AL test - 04/21/10 11:45 AM

Ill try that.That or Ill have my kid take his coil off and try it.Rocky

Posted By: therocks

Re: MSD 6AL test - 04/21/10 02:23 PM

I changed coils and jumped the 2 wires.No spark.I also checked the wiring and have 12 V to the 2 that should and also good ground.I guess the box is bad.What does MSD charge to redo them?I ordered a new box where my kid works.Should be here today.Rocky

Posted By: therocks

Re: MSD 6AL test - 04/21/10 03:16 PM

Just started to take the old one out.I tapped the box and now it runs.Real strange.I guess Ill still get the new one and have a spare.Rocky

Posted By: 52savoy

Re: MSD 6AL test - 04/21/10 07:04 PM

Rocky, You've got a '64 Savoy? How did you wire the box?
I mounted mine under the dash and ran the red power wire to the brown ignition switch wire that goes to the ballast resistor. I also kept the ballast(so it looks stock) but removed the resistor and soldered in a #12 wire so I get 12volts. The factory blue coil wire isn't needed anymore so I removed it from the engine harness. just my

Now if I can find where the bench seat back stops are located..

Posted By: therocks

Re: MSD 6AL test - 04/22/10 12:08 PM

Mines a 65 Belvedere.I gusy mounted mine between the right fender and rad.My wiring is pretty hacked.I left the ballast in and run it.It can be run with or without the ballast so it was easy to just leave it.Just carry a spare and its been in for years with no problems.Rocky