Today i tried to set my ignition timing and i did as i always do by disconnecting the four wire harness from the distributor, but as i was doing so (this is the first time since i installed my msd) the timing mark was not noticeable. the harmonic balancer kept spinning and i couldnt get a reading. I have no clue how to adjust my timing, but right now its at 7 degrees advanced and my car diesels every once in a while. That is the most embarrasing thing personally, and i would like to put it to an end. Thanks

 

This same question was posted a few weeks ago, I don't recall the conclusion or "official" answer, but one of those who responded said they had to bypass the MSD and hook up the stock ignition to set the timing, then reconnect the MSD.

As I say, not sure if this was "official" or not.

Maybe a call to MSD tomorrow will get the straight scoop.

 

My best friend callled the MSD tech line and talked to them and they said that there should be NO problem setting the timing with the MSD hooked up. However, I think MSD is full of ****. The timing light flashes based on the spark going through the spark plug wire and with the MSD ignitions there's MULTIPLE sparks going through that wire on just one rotation of the crank. The MSD sparks on one cylinder for 20 degrees of timing. There's no way in he|| that the timing is going to be same with MULTIPLE sparks.

A sure way to tell would be to check the timing with the MSD hooked up and then before you touch anything unhook the MSD and hook the ignition back up stock and check the timing again. If the timing changes then you know it's the MSD.

 

It works fine. The timing light gets triggered by the first spark and takes several milliseconds to recharge before it can fire again.

 

There is nothing special that has to be done when setting the timing. The timing light will not pick up the multi-spark, the timing light can not pick them up due to the time frame at which it is occurring like Apeiron said. We are not going to tell the customer something that is full of sh*$. The only stipulation we have is that you do not use an adjustable or dial back timing light when setting the timing. These lights are very susceptible to noise and can give you an inaccurate timing reading when using an aftermarket ignition. Make sure that you are using a standard timing light with no adjustment and clip the pick up for the light up near the plug and not at the cap. This will provide you with the most accurate reading. There is no need to by pass the box when setting the timing.

Thanks,

Joe
MSD tech