3 "corroded" terminals on Dist. cap!?!?!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 708
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From: Florida
3 "corroded" terminals on Dist. cap!?!?!
I'm using a complete MSD Ignition (8361 Dist, Blaster II coil & MSD 6A) and have 3 "corroded" terminals on the cap. The best analogy I can think of at the moment would be a similar appearance to an OLD copper penny or a never maintained battery terminal (3 posts/terminals have a teal carbon/ash-like substance, while the remaining 5 are "brand-new" looking)
Any ideas of what would cause this?
If it matters, the corroded terminals were #2, #4 (neighbors) and #5. I've cleaned them up and car runs fine again, but would like to prevent this from happening again. (Cap & Rotor have about 1,000 miles on them)
Thanks for any info,
Donovan :seeya
Any ideas of what would cause this?
If it matters, the corroded terminals were #2, #4 (neighbors) and #5. I've cleaned them up and car runs fine again, but would like to prevent this from happening again. (Cap & Rotor have about 1,000 miles on them)
Thanks for any info,
Donovan :seeya
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: 3 "corroded" terminals on Dist. cap!?!?! (DR'76)
Since the rotor never touches the cap pieces, the spark must jump to it. If the resistance is high the result is a burnt correded pole piece as you described. Look for bad wires , Open (highresistance )wires, or too big of spark plug gap. :cool:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 5
From: Nashville TN
Re: 3 "corroded" terminals on Dist. cap!?!?! (silvervetteman)
I just did a cap on my HEI that showed similar corrosion. I think its just a matter of age an use. Its time to replace the cap when it gets furry.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 278
From: Olmsted Falls, Ohio
Re: 3 "corroded" terminals on Dist. cap!?!?! (dman535)
I also find that using a cap with brass terminals rather than aluminum (?) seems to be able to handle any arcing without eating the metal out of the terminal.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 951
Likes: 0
Re: 3 "corroded" terminals on Dist. cap!?!?! (DR'76)
I suggest that you contact MSD technical service, either by phone or email. Phone #: 915/855-7123, 8-5, Mountain Standard Time. E-mail msdtech@msdignition.com A number of years ago I had a problem with a MSD cap, called tech support and they sent me a new cap. Unfortunatly I can't remember what the problem was, getting too old.
