MSD Distributor problem

Rick Weber · #1 (**permalink**) 11-26-2006, 08:06 AM

Hello all,

Hope you all had a good T'giving. I just received an email from Bill Ostrower at Snakepit Auto who had received an email from Roush motors. There seems to be an issue with the MSD distributor on Roush 427R Carb'ed motors. The problem is not specified and according to the message the problem cannot be identified as to whether it is an engine problem or a distributor problem. In fact, the so called problem isn't even described! How useful!!! Anyway, I don't know if anyone out there has heard anything. I went on the Roush website and looked for any service bulletins but to no avail. Tomorrow, Nov. 27th, I will put in a call to Roush to see what I can find out.

"this is another fine mess you've gotten us into..."

Burgs · #2 (**permalink**) 11-26-2006, 08:20 AM

I thought I read somewhere, (here), they re-curved the MSD due to spark knock up high. How high is the octane rating on your premium fuel?

Rick Weber · #3 (**permalink**) 11-26-2006, 08:36 AM

The highest octane that's readily availble, i.e.from the pump, in these parts is 91 octane. Ahhh remember the old Sunoco 260 days...

Burgs · #4 (**permalink**) 11-26-2006, 08:48 AM

I wouldn't put a load on the motor until things are squared away with Roush.

Rick Weber · #5 (**permalink**) 11-26-2006, 09:03 AM

Agreed. Although it's one of those, "now they tell me", moments. Yesterday the fire was lit on one of my favorite roads here.

Goopie 18 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-26-2006, 03:01 PM

I received the service announcement directly from Roush. I had to bring my car to an authorized Roush dealer and they replaced a bushing, springs, and adjusted the timing (Roush mailed me the parts). $85 which will be covered by Roush. Had to have it done to protect warranty. Roush was concerned about detonation due to poor gas (I can get 93 octane at any station near me).

Rick Parker · #7 (**permalink**) 11-26-2006, 03:23 PM

The bushing is to either extend or limit the total amout or number of degrees of timing the distributor will permit. The springs used probably slow down the rate of advance. MSD included the set of springs and bushings with their new distributors. The spring & bushing kit is available separately for $12-$15. There is a chart included that shows exactly what each bushing or set of spings does to the advance rate and at what RPM. It is very easy to change out the parts.

PS: If the specific changes (color of bushing and which springs) that Rousch are using could be determined, the changes could be made in the field very easily by the end user.

Rick Weber · #8 (**permalink**) 11-27-2006, 11:04 AM

G'day all,

The above posts are right on! I spoke with Roush today and indeed the issue concerns springs. Roush informed me that the newer motors already have the fix in place but for older motors it might not hurt to order the parts or contact them so that they can do a bit of investigation on your particular motor.

I earlier mentioned that the highest octane readily available here in NY was 91but in fact it is 93. Duh...

Excaliber · #9 (**permalink**) 11-27-2006, 11:14 AM

MSD's have ALWAYS shipped with a rather 'late' and 'limited' timing advance. Changing the 'stop' button and springs to suit your needs I've always considered standard practice. Sounds like there more paranoid than ever and have limituned the amount of advance and increased the rpm required to get full advance even more than usual. Could be THIS screw up allows advance TO fast and TO much on the latest MSD's shipped.

I figure they do this to avoid even the possibilty of damaging someones engine (late timing curve). I'd never run any MSD without checking the 'timing curve' right away. It's very easy to do, there is a chart on their web site and a chart that comes with a new MSD. Simply check the color of the springs and the color of the 'stop' button to determine your curve. Add\subtract differenent springs\buttons to achieve your required advance curve.