msd ignition vs. stereo and amp
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
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msd ignition vs. stereo and amp
1970 convertible...had the msd ignition with a kenwood receiver.FM reception was fine with no engine noise. Changed to an Alpine reciever and added a Rockford Fosgate amp. professionally installed. CD is fine. Flash drive is fine. Ipod is fine. FM radio reception is fine but now I have what seems like alternator whine with FM only. I disconnected the alternator and still have the noise so I don't think it's that.My antenna is the same one used with other stereo so I think it's good. Anyone had this experience and traced it to the MSD? and did they use the $40ish MSD filter to correct the whine. I would gladly pay the money if I could fix the problem but hate to spend money on just hope. if anyone wants to point me in another diagnostic direction I am all ears. I need to get this fixed so I can never listen to FM again. You know what I mean...Thanks
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 211
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So if I understand correctly you used a total of two capacitors. Can you give me any more detail on the capacitors like where you sourced them and cost? Maybe a picture? Don't want to seem needy but this problem is a month old. Can't believe the checks and possible fixes I have tried. Can't put interior back together until fixed. Might resort to witchcraft! Thanks
The ORIGINAL and bestest
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Toronto Ontario
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You could try an inexpensive antenna noise filter:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-3S8ZDGJ...nal-AS100.html
But, since you had no problem before with the MSD, and someone else installed a different head unit, I would check the ground wire for the head unit. If it is grounded through the ground wire in the stock stereo wiring harness, change it to a direct chassis ground instead. 90% of the time, these issues are grounding issues.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-3S8ZDGJ...nal-AS100.html
But, since you had no problem before with the MSD, and someone else installed a different head unit, I would check the ground wire for the head unit. If it is grounded through the ground wire in the stock stereo wiring harness, change it to a direct chassis ground instead. 90% of the time, these issues are grounding issues.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Carol Stream IL
With my Mustang 5.0, I didn't run an MSD filter, just a big capacitor. The MSD filter is basically a big capacitor. I don't recall the size I used, probably about 2x10^6 microfarads. Any decent custom stereo shop should be able to recommend a good one.
I also remember reading that some spark plug wires can cause interference. If you have carbon core spark plug wire, those should be fine. If you have solid core wires, that is probably your problem. Taylor makes some spriral wire core wires wires that eliminate the interference, but I found the quality to be crap.
I also remember reading that some spark plug wires can cause interference. If you have carbon core spark plug wire, those should be fine. If you have solid core wires, that is probably your problem. Taylor makes some spriral wire core wires wires that eliminate the interference, but I found the quality to be crap.
