msd issues 6al and 8594 distributor

[wrench87]

After seeing your picture mine is worn, how do the stock chevorlet caps hold out?. Does any one have a part number for a aftermarket cap?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by wrench87

After seeing your picture mine is worn, how do the stock chevorlet caps hold out?. Does any one have a part number for a aftermarket cap?

If you pull the tab on the rotor up, and you put a light dab (NOT a glob) of dielectric grease on the terminals and center ball, you will get a good 3,000 or more miles on the cap, be it red or black. Don't forget to drill some holes for the ozone. This old thread of mine, A Better Looking MSD Distributor Cap , I believe has part numbers for non-MSD caps.

[mtpockets]

I experienced this at least 3 times on my MSD distributor. I even talked to the MSD guys at SEMA in '11 about this issue, he gave me his direct line and address asking me to send him the next one that did it. The center electrode on the cap breaks off. The car continues to run as the signal is hot enough but it will eventually wear down the spring pickup on the rotor. Of course, since I met him I've had no failures. I do carry a spare cap and rotor with me always.

[zrayr]

Originally Posted by patrickt

If you pull the tab on the rotor up, and you put a light dab (NOT a glob) of dielectric grease on the terminals and center ball........"

Not really a good idea. Dielectric grease does not promote the flow of electricity, it impedes it. It should be used on areas like spark plug boots, the plastic or rubber parts of electrical connections, but never directly on wires or metal terminals.

There are many legitimate sources that will tell you the same thing if you do a google search of dielectric grease.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silic...lectric_grease

http://m.wisegeek.org/what-is-dielectric-grease.htm

Z

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by zrayr

There are many legitimate sources that will tell you the same thing if you do a google search of dielectric grease.

And many sources that well tell you that it improves connections. It is not like putting an insulating piece of rubber or glass between two connectors. MSD recommends it, and the tech sheet for the dielectric grease recommends it (Permatex, for instance) and prescribes putting a light coat directly on the connector. It will not inhibit the connection. And, in 30+ years of doing it, I've never had anything but good results from it. But, I won't try and sell you, please don't use it if you're uncomfortable doing so.