Problem with my MSD
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Joined: Apr 2005
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Car: 86 Z28
Engine: 383
Transmission: Built 700r4
Problem with my MSD
So I installed an MSD 6al ignition the other day and I noticed that I'm not getting any spark.
I found out that the box isn't sending any power to the coil. The box is however sending power to the distributer.
So my question is: Does the box just provide power to the coil or does it do more for the coil? If it just provides power to the coil, could I simply connect a 12v wire and setup a new ground for the coil? Or does the coil have to be connected to the box?
I found out that the box isn't sending any power to the coil. The box is however sending power to the distributer.
So my question is: Does the box just provide power to the coil or does it do more for the coil? If it just provides power to the coil, could I simply connect a 12v wire and setup a new ground for the coil? Or does the coil have to be connected to the box?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 23
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Car: 86 Z28
Engine: 383
Transmission: Built 700r4
Yep everything is connected correctly. Its a pretty simple setup.
I connected it to an 8360 distributer.
Couldn't I just connnects a 12v source to the coil itself?
I connected it to an 8360 distributer.
Couldn't I just connnects a 12v source to the coil itself?
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From: Northern CA.
Car: '82 Z28
Engine: 350
Transmission: TH400 4,000 stall
Axle/Gears: Currie 9", 4.56 gears
So you have the ready to run distributor, separate coil and the 6AL box right? The box should be powering the coil now instead of the keyed 12v wire. That keyed 12v wire should be going to the box and dizzy. Just tested when there's power to the coil on my car, even in the key on position the coil didn't get any power. So it should get power while cranking when it sees a signal from the dizzy.
Here's a test listed on MSD's site that you can try for spark.
Here's a test listed on MSD's site that you can try for spark.
White Wire Trigger:
If you are using the White wire (points or electronic amplifier) of the MSD to trigger the ignition, follow these steps.
1. Make sure the ignition switch is in the Off position.
2. Remove the coil wire from the distributor cap and position the terminal so it is approximately 1/2" from a good ground.
3. Disconnect the MSD White wire from the distributor points or the ignition amplifier.
4. Turn the ignition to the On position. DO NOT CRANK THE ENGINE.
5. Tap the White wire to ground several times. Each time the wire is pulled away from ground a spark should jump from the coil wire to ground. If spark is present, the ignition is working properly.
If there is no spark:
A. Inspect all of the wiring.
B. Substitute another coil and test again. If there is now spark, the coil is at fault.
C. If there is still no spark, check to make sure there is 12 volts on the small Red wire from the MSD when the key is in the On position. If 12 volts are not present, find another 12 volt source and repeat the test.
D. After inspecting the test procedures and inspecting all of the wiring, there is still no spark, the Ignition is at fault. See the Warranty and Service Page for Information.
If you are using the White wire (points or electronic amplifier) of the MSD to trigger the ignition, follow these steps.
1. Make sure the ignition switch is in the Off position.
2. Remove the coil wire from the distributor cap and position the terminal so it is approximately 1/2" from a good ground.
3. Disconnect the MSD White wire from the distributor points or the ignition amplifier.
4. Turn the ignition to the On position. DO NOT CRANK THE ENGINE.
5. Tap the White wire to ground several times. Each time the wire is pulled away from ground a spark should jump from the coil wire to ground. If spark is present, the ignition is working properly.
If there is no spark:
A. Inspect all of the wiring.
B. Substitute another coil and test again. If there is now spark, the coil is at fault.
C. If there is still no spark, check to make sure there is 12 volts on the small Red wire from the MSD when the key is in the On position. If 12 volts are not present, find another 12 volt source and repeat the test.
D. After inspecting the test procedures and inspecting all of the wiring, there is still no spark, the Ignition is at fault. See the Warranty and Service Page for Information.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 23
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Car: 86 Z28
Engine: 383
Transmission: Built 700r4
Originally Posted by EvilCartman
So you have the ready to run distributor, separate coil and the 6AL box right? The box should be powering the coil now instead of the keyed 12v wire. That keyed 12v wire should be going to the box and dizzy. Just tested when there's power to the coil on my car, even in the key on position the coil didn't get any power. So it should get power while cranking when it sees a signal from the dizzy.
Here's a test listed on MSD's site that you can try for spark.
Here's a test listed on MSD's site that you can try for spark.
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iTrader: (1)
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,321
Likes: 4
From: Northern CA.
Car: '82 Z28
Engine: 350
Transmission: TH400 4,000 stall
Axle/Gears: Currie 9", 4.56 gears
Doesn't look like it does. I'm running a 6AL, blaster 2 coil and the regular pro-billet dizzy. If you have someone else there, have them crank on the key while you check for voltage at the coil. I only had voltage when the engine was running not while the engine was stopped and the key in the on position. My guess is it needs to see the signal from the dizzy before sending power to the coil.
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Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 753
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From: Eastern Connecticut
Car: 1989 RS Camaro
Engine: 350 Carb(soon a 400)
Transmission: 5-Speed/th350
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3.73
a buddy of mine was wireing up his msd and he put too small of a wire going to the msd for the main wire. it would do exactly what you are describing. once he had put in a heavier wire it worked great. make sure you don't have a fuse going to the msd from the batt. good luck
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