MSD Ignition Issues

James Stern · #1 (**permalink**) 09-17-2011, 04:50 AM

At a car show my MSD 6AL ignition failed and I came home courtesy of AAA. At first I thought it was a problem with the distributor cap or rotor as discussed in so many threads. It turned out that the bronze gear shredded. My initial thought was to replace the bronze gear with steel to match the E303 gear. While installing the new steel gear we found that the shaft actually wobbled 1/8". Obviously, that is what shredded the bronze gear. Because of all the threads about MSD issues I went with a Pertronix distributor. I have removed the MSD 6AL box and offer it as a back up for those people who race are prefer the MSD system for any reason. This box could serve as a back up.

Jim

PS Gentlemen, it pays to check your shafts.

Wisconsin_Snake · #2 (**permalink**) 09-18-2011, 07:24 AM

I don't quite follow what what you are saying...
Let's see if this is correct, you state that you thought the problem was the MSD 6AL but you later find out the Pertronix distributor gear is shreaded because it had play in it. As a result you are offering up the the 6AL.

Better replace that Pertronix distributor also, which I am sure you are.

If you are offering up the 6AL because you are getting rid of it, I'll take it.

James Stern · #3 (**permalink**) 09-18-2011, 03:39 PM

Sorry about any confusion that I caused with my thread. The original MSD distributor shredded its bronze distributor. We thought that we could just change over to a steel dist. gear but during the tear down found that the distributor shaft had a wobble in it. About 1/8". We decided to go with the Pertrornix distributor and removed the MSD 6AL box as the Pertronix distributor did not need it. The box is available for cheap.

Wisconsin_Snake · #4 (**permalink**) 09-19-2011, 05:42 AM

Wow!
The fact that the distributor had "wobble" play in it is pretty surprising.
You should call MSD and see what they say... They might replace it (which you could in turrn take and sell).

Rick Parker · #5 (**permalink**) 09-19-2011, 08:06 AM

The wobble is minimized by the pilot hole in the block casting that the distributor shaft below the gear fits into. It also helps offset sideload from the torque applied to the oil pump drive shaft.

lovehamr · #6 (**permalink**) 09-19-2011, 10:33 AM

So you're under the impression that pertronix dist does the same thing as an MSD box? If so, send that POS to me I'll take it off your hands!

Steve

James Stern · #7 (**permalink**) 09-19-2011, 05:08 PM

Steve, I don't know if the Pertronix and MSD are comparable in any way. The guy that fixed the car for me felt it would be more reliable and after reading about all the issues with MSD that have been reported in these forums I decided to make a switch. I don't race my Cobra as some of you do so the MSD system is not a requirement for my needs.

Jim

Barnsnake · #8 (**permalink**) 09-19-2011, 09:02 PM

The primary reason that 85% of the ignition problems you hear about are with MSD, is because 85% of the cars are using them.

Double Venom · #9 (**permalink**) 09-20-2011, 02:23 AM

Isn't that equal to 100%?

DV

RICK LAKE · #10 (**permalink**) 09-20-2011, 03:27 AM

James Stern James James if the distributor gear stripped, you may have an alignment problem and also the wrong gear for the camshaft. You might want to follow this list. You didn't say how many miles are on this motor since new??
1 pull the oil pan and clean out all bronze partials, change oil and filter also(2) times
2 Checking the hole in the block for size and being centered for the oil pump drive. Diameter of hole may need a bushing to stop housing play.
3 Camshaft end play, too much walking will eat a gear. having oil either direct flow or steady splash at the 2 gears will extend life of gears. There are torrington bearing kits for also all motors to control camshafts with shims for the right end play specs.
This might be a good winter project, still pull pan and cut open filter for partial check. Check oil pump also. Pull off bottom plate and check for grooves,chips, wear marks inside housing. Might be cheaper to get new pump. Rick L.

James Stern · #11 (**permalink**) 09-20-2011, 05:32 AM

Rick, Thanks for the concern and advice. All of the things you stated were done during the conversion to Pertronix. The oil pan and screen were pulled and flushed out. The cam was checked for play. The filter and pan oil were run through a paint filter. In a discussion with a Ford tech rep he stated that "All lettered 303 cams need a STEEL gear." After flushing the block everything was buttoned up and new oil and filter was put in. We ran the engine for 10 minutes and threw away the oil and filter and reloaded same. Prayers are said daily at the local church to St. Lee Iacoca for the preservation of the engine.

Jim