I just got off the phone with MSD's Customer Service Dept.
Their policy for replacing defective parts still under warranty really sucks.
Let me start by saying that this is the second time I have had the magnetic pickup in my MSD distributers fail.
The first time was almost three years ago at The DSCC Reptile Roundup, the engine would turn over but not fire, so Dennis Olthoff replaced the defective distributer with a new ACCEL, and absolutely no problems from then on. I missed out on all the track fun that weekend, but just chaulked it up to a bad experience.
Then, I had my aluminum 427 engine rebuilt into a dry sump setup last winter and picked up the finished product the end of January. Much to my surprise, RDI replaced my faithful ACCEL distributer with another MSD. (I still have the ACCEL at my home in Fla., but I am in NC at the present time) I didn't pay a whole lot of attention to the matter figuring what happened 3 years ago was an isolated incident. Much to my surprise, Saturday morning I went out and tried to start my trusty 427 so we could join in on a run at the "Tail of the Dragon" with a few other Cobra buddies. Much to my dismay, the damn MSD distributer failed me again!!!!!!!!! (330 miles on the new dry sump engine and distributer)
So this morning I called MSD to see what their warranty policy is. (14 months)
But, in order to get a replacement part you must first get a "replacement part number authorization," then send in the failed part for their inspection, and "IF" they find it defective they will send you a repaired replacement part. I also needed a receipt for the purchase (again in Fla.) In my case this was part of the total engine invoice from RDI. NOW BEAR IN MIND: This is a $20.00part, and the engine won't fire! - I some how fail to see the problem with replacing this part on a credit card and let me send in the defective part for credit. This would expedite the down time on my car, to which the Customer Service Rep at MSD had no compassion. (Thank God I don't need it to get to work!) I could see I was getting nowhere with this incompitent individual, so just said I would vent my displeasure on the internet, and hung up. In retrospect, I should have asked for a supervisor, but what the heck, I get more satisfaction in putting this out there for anyone to read.
I ordered 2 of the magnetic pickups from Summit - 1 to replace the defective one, and one to keep as spare. The shipping was the same for one or two - so why not! I know the replacement pickup will fail just as the past two have! So why be out on the road without a backup? When I get back to Fla., I will install the "Trusty ACCEL" distributer back where it belongs. Don't exactly know what to do with the $250.00 piece of MSD garbage?????
In all fairness, I know alot of you have MSD ignitions and have had no problems. In fact, I think most NASCAR teams run MSD's, but then again, they have backup ignition setups and can switch over if there is a failure.
I just feel that I have the right to express my unfortunate experiences with any of you who are willing to listen and learn. If anyone is contemplating a new igintion setup, I can only suggest that you do your homework before plucking down some hard earned money.
TL
MSD Customer Service Issues
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