Thats why I started to widen the gap at the same time with the valve/rotor job. The 0.024 sounds weak but thats how the car came with and it ran good at the time last year. There were some Bosch 3wc series plugs in and now NKG8 series.
I can also try to solder a jumper wire on the rotor if that 1.2Kohm is too much for longevity. Earlier I melted a 5Kohm rotor in one day/30miles and first it was fine and then started to backfire. This 1.2Kohm that is in there (maybe 150 miles now) still looks fine and still measured the 1.2Kohm so it should be ok.
From MSD site:
http://www.msdignition.com/troubleshooting.aspx
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Timing Fluctuations
If your timing seems to be jumping all over the place, check the following items:
What kind of timing light are you using? Many lights have trouble reading the MSD's capacitive discharge multiple sparks. Dial back timing lights are not recommended. Try another non-adjustable light and check the timing again. MSD offers a Timing Light, PN 8990.
Make sure you are not using Solid Core wires.
Inspect the routing of the Magnetic Pickup Harness. It should be routed clear of the coil primary wires and plug wires. It is best to route it along a ground plain such as the firewall, frame or engine block to form a shield around it, or replace the Black magnetic pickup cable with a shielded Gray cable PN 8862, which has a ground wire on one end.
Check the polarity of the magnetic pickup wires of the distributor. Reverse the connectors and check the timing again. For Analog ignitions the correct polarity is whichever orientation gives the most retarded timing. For Digital Ignitions the correct polarity is whichever orientation give the most advanced timing.
On Chevrolet engines, if the timing is retarding inspect for cam-walk. This is especially prevalent on engines with a chrome or stock type replacement timing chain cover that is actually bowing forward allowing the cam to "walk", due to thin stamping. To check this, wedge something in-between the water pump and timing chain cover to keep the camp from walking. If this corrects the timing fluctuation, replace the timing chain cover.
Worn distributor gear, inspect the distributor gear for excess wear or incorrect gear mesh if the gear is riding too high or too low on the cam gear. If correct the wear pattern should show the gear mesh in the center of the gear.
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Found this from archives:
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The MSD instructions are totally backwards. The Purple MSD mag wire goes to the shield instead of the center conductor. The Green goes to the green center conductor instead of the shield.
And this:
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Terminal 31 and 7 on the Electronic Ignition Unit are the magnetic pick-up leads from the distributor. The shield wire (#31) is magnetic positive which connects to the Violet wire of the MSD box. The other wire (#7) is magnetic negative which connects to the Green wire of the MSD box.
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The car will run, but out of phase like that will give you a 2,000 rpm idle.
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Quote:
Magnetic Pickup in the Distributor
The magnetic pickup in MSD Distributors can also be checked with an Ohm meter to make sure it is within operating specifications. Once again, connect the Ohm meter's leads to the two terminals of the pickup. The resistance should be within 500 - 700 ohms. If the resistance is out of this specification, inspect the condition of the wires leading to the pickup for abrasion, shorting or opens. If the wiring is okay, the pickup is at fault.
NOTE: The Ignition will check good if the pickup is at fault. Follow the Checking for Spark procedure.
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Quote:
Spark Plug Wires
If you suspect a spark plug wire to be open causing poor performance, check the resistance of each wire. By checking the resistance of each wire you will determine two things: That there is continuity (not open) and if there is too much resistance in the wire. Use an Ohm Meter and connect the terminals to the spark plug wire terminals. Use care to make sure there is good contact or the readings will be inaccurate. On MSD wires the resistance should be:
Heli-Core Wires (Blue):
150 - 1,200 ohms per foot
8.5mm Super Conductor (Red):
40 - 50 ohms per foot
If you do not know the specification for your wires, measure the resistance of each wire. Remember to divide the length of the wire by 12 to get a "per foot" measurement. If one wire is out of that average spec, it is at fault
Solid Core Wires: You cannot run Solid Core Spark Plug Wires with an MSD Ignition Control. Solid Core wires do not suppress any Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) which will interfere with electronics or rev limiters on your vehicle. A suppression style or spiral wound spark plug wire MUST be used.
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