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MSD nightmare

Old Apr 17, 2006 | 07:33 AM
  #1  
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Default MSD nightmare

have a 8360 distributer and added the 6al box. it ran on so i put the diode onto the alternator. still runs on and when the key is off it runs cleaner/better. the local guru says i have to change the module in the distributer but the msd instructions say the 8360 still triggers the msd. so i switched back to the stock configuraton off the box and now it runs like ****. its definately dropping cylinders. very frustrating. furthermore, with the key off there is voltage to the ignition hot. not enough to keep the stock system running on though i believe this is the culprit to the msd run on. where do i start. one more thing. the plug wires were 2-3 yrs old. could the few minutes of msd box been enough to fry them if they were weak, hense the new miss even without the box?
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Old Apr 17, 2006 | 09:54 AM
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I had the same problems. Get rid of the MSD and go with the Jacob's pro steet set up. You will instantly notice a huge improvement.
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Old Apr 17, 2006 | 09:54 AM
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are your wires solid core? I do not believe that you are supposed to use solid core wires with the msd system.
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Old Apr 17, 2006 | 11:48 AM
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Originally Posted by Michaeljh2000
I had the same problems. Get rid of the MSD and go with the Jacob's pro steet set up. You will instantly notice a huge improvement.
Nice suggestion, but I don't think he's looking to throw money at the problem. Street and strip cars have been running the 6AL for many years and it is one of the highest rated analog ignitions available.....

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Old Apr 17, 2006 | 11:56 AM
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Originally Posted by Michaeljh2000
I had the same problems. Get rid of the MSD and go with the Jacob's pro steet set up. You will instantly notice a huge improvement.
Why dump a brand new box?? I actually run 4 four msd boxes piggy backed onto each other without a problem.
Try for service from Jacob/holley. It sucks, not like the service Jacob's use to give before they were bought out.
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Old Apr 17, 2006 | 01:09 PM
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MSD has a good trouble shooting guide in their installation section on thier web site..I run a MSD 6AL..once,my faulty ignition switch affected the box...don't junk a good system..also,it is recommended you run thier spark plug wires..
Rich
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Old Apr 17, 2006 | 01:45 PM
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make sure your not running a platinum plug, msd doesnt recommend it. They do recommend using their wires as another poster said, stock wires are usually 8mm, MSD makes 8.5 mm. They even make a custom length set for the small block vettes, however one of the shorter wires was about 3 inches too short, so much for a custom set. I had to call MSD and they were more than happy to cut me a wire to my needed size.
ESU
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Old Apr 17, 2006 | 07:41 PM
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i run all msd. 6al, dist, wires.. best thing i ever did for the car..
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Old Apr 19, 2006 | 10:03 PM
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msd pro billet & 6al, 8.5 msd wires, blaster 2 coil. I also required the diode to eliminate the run on. NO REGRETS

Last edited by cherrybomb78; Apr 20, 2006 at 11:18 AM.
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Old Apr 19, 2006 | 11:37 PM
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I'm also running their complete 6AL ignition system. Ran right fron day one. Didn't even need the diode. You might try giving their tech line a call and see if they can help you out.
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