Ignition problems

rblong · #1 (**permalink**) 03-05-2006, 06:03 PM

Need a little help. Been driving my car regularly. Drove it saturday and everything perfect. Jumped in it this afternoon and was running errands. On my last stop (probably about an hour of driving) I came back out and she cranked right up perfectly (probably been in the store 10 minutes). I noticed as I pulled out onto the street it was missing a little on acceleration. It kept getting worse and worse till it finaly started trying to back fire and just would not run. Had a wrecker bring me home. Tried to start it while waiting to no avail. Got home and it will start, but still kinda rough. Have fuel (6 psi), fuel bowls 1/2. I have read other threads about ignition overheating. I have driven this car well over a year in Texas heat and never had any issues. I have all MDS - 6AL, pointless dist, wires, remote coil etc. I feel it is a ignition problem. Any way to trouble with just changing components?

Bruce

baldeagle · #2 (**permalink**) 03-05-2006, 06:32 PM

My guess is it's your magnetic pickup!
Go to the MSD site msdtech@msdignition.com or call them (915) 855-7123
You will see how to check for spark and other troubelshooting tests

If it's the Mag. Pickup and you talk to them real nice they may mail you one "free" - - - it takes time to come by mail - - so you can by them at your local Auto Zone
To replace the pickup is not a hard job if your somewhat car smart! the pickup is siliconed glued in place and breaking it loose is the hardest part - -the new one dosent need to be gluded back in.
Hope this helps!

Rick Parker · #3 (**permalink**) 03-05-2006, 09:12 PM

http://http://www.msdignition.com/1troubleshoot.htm

rblong · #4 (**permalink**) 03-06-2006, 07:21 AM

Thanks,

I did not have time to check on anything last night. I have never seen something go from so good to so bad in 2-3 miles!

rblong · #5 (**permalink**) 03-18-2006, 01:49 PM

Well - MSD said they thought it was the pickup so I replaced pickup, rotor and cap. She started right up and I was watching timing. All seemed OK for minute or so then the timing mark started jumping around and engine just died. I will go to their site and see what I can find in the troubleshooting section, but this is wierd. All I have left is coil, box and wires.

This is my first MSD ignition so I don't have any experience with them. Anyone ran into this?

Bruce

392cobra · #6 (**permalink**) 03-18-2006, 02:56 PM

Bruce,
Have you pulled the dist. and checked the gear & pin ?

rblong · #7 (**permalink**) 03-18-2006, 03:44 PM

Fred,

Yes I did. I went ahead and pulled it to change the pickup so while out I inspected everything. All looks good. I did the spark check as outlined and it passed. I did an ohm test on the pickup and it is 591 - which is within range. For the heck of it I checked pickup I replaced and it is about the same so it is obvious the old pickup was not the problem. MSD also mentions routing of pickup wires and such, but I have not changed anything on this prior to my problem.

I guess from here I am going to start ohming plug wires and such. I am running out of things to look at unless the box is going goofy after it is powered up a few minutes!

Bruce

scott cooper · #8 (**permalink**) 03-18-2006, 04:07 PM

are you using a ballest resistor, i had a similar problem and it was a bad resistor

Rick Parker · #9 (**permalink**) 03-18-2006, 04:28 PM

Scott brings up a good point.
MSD doesn't use a ballast resistor.
1. Is the MSD box itself grounded (?) it should be. 2. Are you using solid core plug wires?

rblong · #10 (**permalink**) 03-18-2006, 05:08 PM

I was gonna ask what a ballast resistor was, so I am glad MSD does not use one? Plug wires are 8.5 MM MSDs. I just ohmed them all and all is correct. I checked wires for correct cylinders etc. I will check ground for box. Remember guys, I have 10,000 miles on this car with never a problem, so the set up has worked great till now. I am starting to look at the dumb stuff now. Unless someone raised my hood (I have locks) at the store on my last stop and did something to it I am staring to get puzzled. I guess tomorrow I will pull a plug and check TDC and that kinda stuff.

I am no expert by any means, but this has me stumped!

Bruce

scott cooper · #11 (**permalink**) 03-18-2006, 05:38 PM

MSD informed me that when using any transistorized ignition system they recommend using a resistor dropping from 12 volts to about 8 volts, i had asked the same question because the instructions does not mention using a resistor, i really dint know if one is needed but i use one

Cobrabill · #12 (**permalink**) 03-19-2006, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott cooper

MSD informed me that when using any transistorized ignition system they recommend using a resistor dropping from 12 volts to about 8 volts, i had asked the same question because the instructions does not mention using a resistor, i really dint know if one is needed but i use one

Interesting........i've had numerous MSD set-ups on numerous vehicles and never once did i hear about the resistor.I only had one problem and that was the magnet in the distributor cracked.

rblong · #13 (**permalink**) 03-19-2006, 09:49 AM

I think I understand the proper way to test for timing jump without pulling cover - Rotate engine to TDC, check to make sure both valves are closed and that distributor is pointing to #1? Am I on the right track.

I have a hard time believing I jumped timing since it did not instantly happen, but you think it is worthwhile to check it anyway?

Bruce

dlampe · #14 (**permalink**) 03-19-2006, 10:14 AM

I had the same exact thing happen to me. I also had a complete MSD system. I tried all of the above. I even replaced the box! The lesson I learned was when you start changing parts, start with the cheeper stuff and work up. The only thing I hadn't changed was the coil. Once I did, everything was back to normal. I will bet that is the culprit!

If that turns out to be okay, it is still good to have an extra lying around.

wtm442 · #15 (**permalink**) 03-19-2006, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rblong

I think I understand the proper way to test for timing jump without pulling cover - Rotate engine to TDC, check to make sure both valves are closed and that distributor is pointing to #1? Am I on the right track.

I have a hard time believing I jumped timing since it did not instantly happen, but you think it is worthwhile to check it anyway?

Bruce

I also have a hard time believing the timing chain jumped because you said it got worse with time. A jumped chain would be poor running IMMEDIATELY.

Suggest setting up a plug wire close to the plug with a little gap so you can see the spark jump. Then see if the color and/or intensity degrades with time after start up. You need to confirm its the electrical system, and not something else, like an extremly dirty fuel filter.

I once had a Maverick way back when that misfired after it was warm, only during acceleration. Found problem - it was the center contact on the rotor - it did not have enough pressure so I just bent it up and problem solved.

Check to make sure there is no corrosion on cap or rotor and that its DRY inside.

Good Luck and let us know you progress!

Buzzmobile · #16 (**permalink**) 03-18-2006, 05:48 PM

timing chain skipped?

rblong · #17 (**permalink**) 03-18-2006, 06:17 PM

Thanks to all. Yes, I am starting to look mechanical (Buzz), but it did not happen all of a sudden, it was like a creeper (look at posts above).

I have troubleshot a lot of things, but this is a pain in the a$$.

Burgs · #18 (**permalink**) 03-18-2006, 09:59 PM

Bad fuel,... recent fill up?

rblong · #19 (**permalink**) 03-19-2006, 08:05 AM

No recent fill up.

Jerry Clayton · #20 (**permalink**) 03-19-2006, 10:51 AM

One thing that noone has touched on--with the output of an MSD, ionazation of the air inside the cap takes place-
I had one of the first MSD -7 ignition boxes--the car would run fine on the first pass and then just crap--looked everywhere for the problem--finally discovered that it would run fine after the cap had been removed--fixed it by drilling holes in distributer cap between every lug--course now it can get wet easy

Jerry