Is there any way to test a used 6AL box? I see them sitting on tables at swap meets, prices are usually ok, just not sure they actually work. Is there a quick way to know?

Not without wiring them up and doing the spark test...It's a roll of the dice at a swapmeet..

I had a 6al burn out between when I drove the car this past Friday night and 8:00 on Saturday morning. Of course that would have been the most inconvenient time, as the potential buyer who was meeting me at 9am couldn't hear the car run.

After a new coil swap and the "spark test" with green and violet wires I was able to determine the MSD module was toast.


A few hours later (after lunch and outside projects) it was up and running on the Orange Box - it stands to reason that I put in the MSD because the orange box are known to suddenly fail, and then the MSD dies as I'm trying to sell the car - it lasted 10 years, but less than 1,500 miles.


Does anyone have experience with MSD repairing the units, or should I just buy a new one?

MSD has done good job on a couple of 6al,s for me.2 have about 6,000 mi on them.i just got a 3rd unit back from them and althjough it works fine my tach is a little twithchy at idle.

There is a guy who rebuilds them and uses faster transistors, IIRC. Unfortunately I can't remember the name he does business under. I'm sure someone else knows, though.

I also seem to remember a simple test procedure using a VOM that could be done at the swap meet. I think it was an MSD tech tip.

R.

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How to Check Your Msd Ignition Box For Damage

For the Racer who feels they have a failed MSD®Ignition, there is a simple test that TechWest Racing Services can walk you through to confirm a true failure of your MSD®Ignition.

First you will need a Volt/Ohm meter (this check can be performed with an analog or digital meter as well). The type of meter will not change the outcome of the test performed. Set your volt/ohm meter on the 1k ohms scale, then position the MSD®Ignition in approximately the same orientation as mounted in the vehicle. This is done to ensure that the MSD®Ignition is relatively in the same position as when the failure occurred. Next take either lead and attach it to a bare metal area on the MSD®Ignition. The second lead needs to be hooked to the Large Red wire that provides your main 12vdc input. In an Undamaged MSD®Ignition the needle will stay in the home position (ie. max Ohms for scale chosen). A Damaged MSD®Ignition will show a reading of 3k ohms or lower.

The readings mentioned above are the result of our experience with repairing customers MSD®Ignition systems. If you plan on testing your MSD®Ignition while it is still mounted in your vehicle PLEASE remove the LARGE RED wire (ie. main 12vdc). Failure to do this will result in possibly damaging your meter while performing this test on your MSD®Ignition.

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From
http://techwest.ipower.com/page2.html

Great info, thank you!

Yes, thanks for the info..I've never run across that test...Seems simple enough and if you're in the market for one that's the ticket...