MSD problem please help!!!!

[matty74]

Howdy,

My poor old mechanic is having a hell of a time tunnin g my 3.0.

The timing at idle is set at 35 degrees before TDC if he goes below this the engine stalls when he moves the distributor below 35

He says it should be at 5 degrees before TDC and he can't check the timing.

The engine runs ok at 35 degrees but idles high 1600 rpm.

Is this the MSD?? If so what adjustmen t needs to be made to the MSD?

If some one can shed some light I'll owe you a few jars.

Matt

[Jadams1]

I don't think it's your MSD. The MSD just works off the trigger signal from the mag pickup in the distributor, it doesn't do any advancing or retarding.

[JohnJL]

Did you check the instructions on the MSD for which wire to clip? I think you need to clip one of the wires to have it trigger properly. Or that might just be the RPM signal or something else. Anyway, I'm pretty sure you need to clip a wire.

[mb911]

the polarity is wrong on the msd signal wire. BTDT.. switch the purple and green wires and it will work perfect. I assure you

[matty74]

Hi Ben,

He did that and he reckons it runs worse.

Matt

[911Freak]

Originally Posted by mb911

the polarity is wrong on the msd signal wire. BTDT.. switch the purple and green wires and it will work perfect. I assure you

+1

FWIW
When I 1st installed my MSD I had the same exact symptoms as the poster states...

Then I stumbled across this same recommendation and it made all the difference

You also need to clip the (red) wire on the side..the blue wire is for 6cyl...This is located under the black button w/small screw in middle of it on the side of the MSD unit..

[willf]

Link to the MSD install instructions: http://www.msdignition.com/pdf/6%20series/6series.pdf

page #4, cut the red wire for 6 cylinders. The MSD ignition ships in 8 cylinder mode by default.

enjoy.