MSD 6al trouble
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
MSD 6al trouble
Hello.
Norwegian Corvette owner seeking help.
I have some trouble with my new MSD ignition system on my 78 Vette.
I just installed the 6AL, with blaster 2 coil.
The car worked just fine for about 400km. Then it died.
First, I thought it was the fuelpump since it was humping like I ran out of fuel, but after i changed it, it still wouldnt start.
So now I have been troubleshooting the system.
I found out that I had no spark from the coil.
So now I began measuring the different components.
1. I have 12V in to the MSD box
2. I also have 12V from the ignition to the MSD box
3. There is 12V signal from the trigger to the MSD box
4. The coil have 0,7 Ohm from + to -, and 4,1 kOhm
So my question is; Is the MSD box f..... up?
Or am I missing something?
I have just realized one of my big dreams and bought the car, so I have little experience with V8.
-=TomCore=-
Norwegian Corvette owner seeking help.
I have some trouble with my new MSD ignition system on my 78 Vette.
I just installed the 6AL, with blaster 2 coil.
The car worked just fine for about 400km. Then it died.
First, I thought it was the fuelpump since it was humping like I ran out of fuel, but after i changed it, it still wouldnt start.
So now I have been troubleshooting the system.
I found out that I had no spark from the coil.
So now I began measuring the different components.
1. I have 12V in to the MSD box
2. I also have 12V from the ignition to the MSD box
3. There is 12V signal from the trigger to the MSD box
4. The coil have 0,7 Ohm from + to -, and 4,1 kOhm
So my question is; Is the MSD box f..... up?
Or am I missing something?
I have just realized one of my big dreams and bought the car, so I have little experience with V8.
-=TomCore=-
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: Forrest City Ar
CF member Gkull says 6al boxes are unreliable he has been roadracing vettes for along time and should know. he says digital boxes are better. I have a 6al but it came with my engine and I am just getting it installed so don'e have any time on it and I don't know much except what I read. do an advance search on 6als it may help
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola Fla
6al
If it is new you are under warrantee,This has happened to me and I contacted them and they had me send it back for repairs.They repaired it and there were not any charges other then shipping to them.On my installation when my kit arrived back in 1999 they had a provision to install two little blue jumper wires on your coil if the box failed,There are/were two adapter strips I had to install on my coil + and -terminals then connect the four wires from the box to the coil .You can go to MSD's website and look under their troubleshooting for help.They replaced a fuse in mine,I did not want to open the box myself and have them say I caused the problem.This the weak link in their system!I am not sure if the newer installations still use the set up I have.I see by you location time will be factor. 
Last edited by 69elky; May 2, 2008 at 05:28 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
..
My last MSD box (6A) lasted 11 years. Never a problem.
I did have the magnetic pick up go bad within a 1000 miles on a billet MSD distributor. $30 replacement and it is running strong.
Everyone has a preference.........mine is MSD
I did have the magnetic pick up go bad within a 1000 miles on a billet MSD distributor. $30 replacement and it is running strong.
Everyone has a preference.........mine is MSD
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 121
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I have the 6ALN box. Nascar version.It is filled with somekind of Gel. Insulates it from vibration, heat and moisture. Was only a couple bucks more than the 6AL. Has worked great for 3 years of use.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 1
From: SOUTH ELGIN IL
Mine's all messed up. Cut out on me a few times last year but ran fine most of the time. This year I couldn't keep it running more than about 40sec at a time. Newest issue is when I shut the ignition off it stays running on it's own for 30 sec or so. I didn't really do much - cleaned the connection points and replaced a brittle wire.
I figure it's got to be the box. I'll try it a little more but I may just go back to HEI.
If I figure it out I will post my solution.
I figure it's got to be the box. I'll try it a little more but I may just go back to HEI.
If I figure it out I will post my solution.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 741
Likes: 1
From: Woodstock GA
I have never had a problem with an MSD product (two 6ALs, one Digital 6), though I have known plenty of people who have. Not saying this is the case here, but they are very sensitive to heat and vibration. Be sure to use the vibration mounts (I see them attached directly to sheetmetal all the time), and keep it away from header heat. Inside the car is best, or some other cool spot. Also, disconnect the box if you are going to be doing any welding on the car- it may not be completely necessary, but I would rather err on the conservative side!
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Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 19,445
Likes: 353
From: Athens GA
St. Jude Donor '12-'13, '15- '16-'17-'18-'19, '21
Mine's all messed up. Cut out on me a few times last year but ran fine most of the time. This year I couldn't keep it running more than about 40sec at a time. Newest issue is when I shut the ignition off it stays running on it's own for 30 sec or so. I didn't really do much - cleaned the connection points and replaced a brittle wire.
I figure it's got to be the box. I'll try it a little more but I may just go back to HEI.
If I figure it out I will post my solution.
I figure it's got to be the box. I'll try it a little more but I may just go back to HEI.
If I figure it out I will post my solution.
Check out their site and you will see what I mean.
Bman