Show of Hands-HOw many people have had an MSD magnetic pickup fail???

[*El Ocho 1*]

Added my original post from a few weeks back to this page for reference.

The fact that my tach started jumping like crazy before it died the 1st time is what leads me to believe that the box may be going bad. I didn't notice the tach this time because I was driving & had my eyes on the road.

[pgermond]

Count me in - mine just failed after 10,000 mi. Having some issues with the new one - may not have the proper air gap. I'll try adjusting it tomorrow a.m. when its cooler.

I should add that I checked the resistance of the old before I changed it out and it was withing the specs

[Gaz64]

Double post, sorry.

[Gaz64]

Originally Posted by pgermond

Count me in - mine just failed after 10,000 mi. Having some issues with the new one - may not have the proper air gap. I'll try adjusting it tomorrow a.m. when its cooler.

I should add that I checked the resistance of the old before I changed it out and it was withing the specs

Did you perform the spark test with a paperclip to prove the mag pickup was faulty?

Did the old mag pickup have the correct value (400-1300 Ohms) although some others now say 400-700 ohms, AND no short to ground on either wire?

Gary

[pgermond]

Originally Posted by Gaz64

Did you perform the spark test with a paperclip to prove the mag pickup was faulty?

Did the old mag pickup have the correct value (400-1300 Ohms) although some others now say 400-700 ohms, AND no short to ground on either wire?

Gary

I did use the paper clip to prove it was faulty, no shorts, but it did test ok with an ohm meter.... but it was bad.

[kevins2]

Mine failed after 9,800 miles. Very high ohms - almost an open circuit. I removed the distributor to replace it. Has anyone ever replaced one without removing the distributor? I've been meaning to check if I can get to the allen screws with the distributor in place. Not an easy road-side repair but would be nice if it can be done.

[*El Ocho 1*]

It looks like my problem was the electronic ignition controller box.

I got another 6A from a forum member & switched it out last weekend. Cobra cranked right up (faster than ever before) & ran well for a good while.

[spdbrake]

My MSD 6AL (PN 6420) died a couple of months ago. Started failing on hot restarts a couple of times then nada. Shock mounts under the dash were intact and external heat not an issue. Age was though as it was 13 yrs old. Using a 30x Loupe I found Tin Whiskers in 3 areas of the PCB.


http://nepp.nasa.gov/whisker/index.html