The MSD Thread.

[camoit]

Post all of your MSD Q & A in here.
It's about time we start one of these.
My problem I had to keep advancing the distributer to make it run. To a total of 40 deg just to start. Any lower it would die.
If you need to keep advancing your MSD system to make it run then the coil is bad..

[Rickdees]

lucky me, I'll go first.
Here's the coil I "was" running. Over time I've "once" experienced the shock of a MSD 6A. I 've seen my coil jump arc the two wire plug from the MSD box. But today after tuning with new Iridium plugs, which come pre gapped for this engine (non adjustable gap) @.060. After about a hour drive time I heard an arc strike, firing once or twice then it got worse and worse. By the time I got home it developed a miss. It's jumping out the coil below the coil wire boot, going the through the plastic insulator arcing to the metal frame around the coil itself "and ground mounted as per MSD".
I've been reading about complaints on this and it is common. I've read about "grounds", I have grounds coming out my bum.
They say once it starts the coil is toast. Just like the MSD magnetic trigger I replaced, not used very much at all
6483
I've read,
It could be, the center button on the dist cap, the carbon button touches the rotor from the coil.
It could be a bad plug wire.
It could be to large of a gap says MSD. Ha, MSD says to gap a extra.010 to .020 larger for stock or mild built engines.
It could be a residual charge, it could be that MSD is garbage for the Chevy V6.
6484
A buddy has a blaster 2 coil I can have, a new cap, rotor, plug wires on order.
Out of re-found respect for coils, i'll trust it the canister type coils, the shock feels about the same.
This coil should work fine for me, correct. I've read up and they say it will on a 6A, but what is the difference in these two coils if any?

[Fordubishi]

No Idea I run the MSD 6A Digital and a Blaster 2 coil with cheap aftermarket plug wires as my Taylors are on back order for another 6-8 weeks. I had an old 6a on the truck and never had a problem with it. I gave my 6a to a friend for his built 4.2L chevy S-10 and he never had a problem with it either. granted he was running the HEI cap and coil but it ran great for 10 years.

[Rickdees]

Yeah, you hear more stories of the 6a box that gets passed on to friend to friend.
I think the type of coil I was using and the idea of having it grounded is pooh, obviously give the a coil a choice to chose a path of less resistance is not a good idea.
Example; a Tee on a water faucet with 2 same diameter sized hoses, one 5 ft. long and one 50ft. long. Which hose will get less water at the end?

Three arc slits, it was also firing at the base of the corner. This coil has a 1/8 stud in it and the plug wire clip would go over the stud so you cant get deep into the insulator. Piss poor design unlike the canister coil
6486
The ol school canister type is oil cooled and it "does not need a ground" other then the black wire (-) and orange (+) from the box.
Makes total sense doesn't it? NOT!

[Rickdees]

I've been reading the MSD complaint, I mean Tech threads. Good short read about MSD ignitions and I feel his pain.


This is me again.

I may have a little egg on my face. I've just discovered that I've had the magnetic coil wires reversed polarity (probably the entire time I've had the system on). I follow instructions very well and can not understand how I possibly could have done that.

However, I remember that when I went from stock to MSD, I really had to change timing (probably retard it 20+ degrees--in fact, it caused my carb to backfire and the Motorcraft 2bbl uses the 2 stage power valve and it blew it out first thing--$27 bucks). Finally, since I hadn't enough movement space for my distributor, I remember changing my wires around one hole each.



So...

I started the other day going through hundreds of these messages on this board to get some clue as to my problems, ONE in particular happening just as yours is. There are times that the system just shut down,,,got no spark,,,wouldn't run or start,,,stranded me in traffic.

Well, I've found several issues of problems that could occur. And, as I've found the issues on this board, I began changing them. AND my lean running problem has suddenly stopped (though there have been many other times it stopped, then just as abruptly began again).

First, I wanted to check my wires to be absolutely sure they'd run on MSD. I thought they were solid core wires. But they are the Bosch Ultra Premium Mag Core wires, and these are wound core.

Second, in checking the wires, which were new as of last December. I discovered that my coil to dist wire was not of the same set. Some reason, I had put the old wire back on.

Third, I checked the resistance of the old coil wire. It was 1500 ohm for an 8 inch wire which would make it run at around 2000 ohm per foot. That's way too much for the MSD. I DID FIND THE BOSCH COIL WIRE, AND NOW THE MOTOR'S RUNNING BETTER.

Fourth, I checked the polarity of the magnetic coil. I had them reversed. Green to orange. Violet to violet. They should have been green to violet, violet to orange. (This of course threw my MSD timing out 20 degrees retarded.) I can't believe I'd done two dumb mistakes as this.

Fifth, I checked the ohm reading of the magnetic dist. coil and new ones at the parts store. Mine and the new ones read 200 ohms. So, I'm within that needed by MSD.

Sixth, I put new connectors on my MSD to coil, magnetic pick up, and wiring.



But, I still don't think I'm out of the ditch yet, even though my horsepower has greatly improved. And, changing the polarity of the pick up coil and correctly setting the timing to it has INCREASED my idle rpms by 200, which is something really POSITIVE.

I filled my tanks with gas and am going to check my mileage after around 200 miles (city driving). Then, I'll do the things below, probably one at a time to try to isolate the issue.



Now the following may be critical to MSD systems. After reading other Tech responses and printing out .pdf trouble shooting pages and installation pages, I'm finding out that --

the MSD system is EXTREMELY, I MEAN EXTREMELY SENSITIVE to stray voltage, especially from damaged wires, wire caps, connections, and etc. And, a bad or problem magnetic pickup on the distributor is very critical to poor performance. (You may need to understand, I went from a new motor getting 12 to 14 mpg to a motor getting 7.5 to 10 mpg.)

So,

I'm checking the resistance of all the remaining wires. (My #1 wire, which I could get to was 400 ohms on 2' length which is about 200 ohms/foot. My coil wire I just put on was 200 ohms for its 8 inches.)

I found by reading these messages that if any of the plug wire reading are off from each other by a medium to large degree, the motor WILL run poorly.

I found also that if the magnetic pickup up coil resistance is off, the motor will run poorly. AND this is a critical piece-- If the pickup coil is damaged or susceptible to changing if heated up, the motor COULD immediately cut out or run bad or back fire.

I found that if wires close to the same firing order and next to each other on the motor CAN jump fire by the very presence of electricity across them. This could also be VERY CRITICAL. I've read at leat a half dozen messages where the owners had misfiring on certain cylinders, did compression checks, checked wires and ohms and plug changes, finally pulling heads, cams, everything to check tolerances. I've got a feeling that they had wires next to each other in the firing order and next to each other on the motor.

Apparently, the best way to correct this problem is isolate the wires and get them several inches apart from the distributor to the plugs. The interesting thing I read on these messages, each person would swear to a damaged MSD system.




So as to your problem, I'd check the signal going to the MSD from your pickup coil. You probably are not getting anything, so the capacitive discharge system will not work.

Use the trouble shooting guide on MSD .pdf, where you jump the green/violet wires and pull the coil wire off and lay it 1/2" next to the + connection on the coil. Turn your keyswitch on. If you hear a "pop," then it probably IS the magnetic coil pick up that's bad. If you don't, then its probably the coil.

I found I had the same problem, run or not run, strand me in the street. If I jump started it, it would always start. If I just did the "pull the coil wire from the coil and turn the key on" trick, if it popped, I'd run out with the switch still on, put the coil wire back, and it'd start. (just take care, one day I got 45,000 volts throught he hand).

But no amount of cranking would get it to start, unless I jump started it, or let it sit for 10 minutes. But, then it would start. It might run terrible for the remainder of the day, or just fine.

But when it does die, it smells of a extremely lean motor--like I ran out of gas.

Most critical are also the MSD wire connections, the distributor pickup (signal), and the need to avoid stray voltage that will arbitrarily send a signal that will discharge the coil into a wrong plug or at the wrong time.

I think MSD would do well to warn users and self installers of these issues.

To solve the poor running and occasional misfiring, I'm going to separate my wires from the distributor. I may buy the RF noise suppressor that MSD sells which will reduce the possibility of mis discharging.



I believe that the arbitrary problems with your system may be a break down in the distributor pickup coil, or a stray voltage charge from a wire or poor ground.

I'm determined to make my system work.

A hot rod is usually void of all the other electrical connections found on a motor. The motor is often exposed so isolating plug wires is easy as well as other wires.

My problem may be from the fact that my coil is only 5 inches away from my distributor cap and many of my plug wires are around and on top of each other.

Other problems I've read is the RAPID break down of wires and distributor caps and rotors and magnetic pickup coils and plugs in systems because of the high heat and voltages.

This is especially accelerated if the system is working incorrectly.



So, the way I understand it is that by the time you get one issue solved, something similiar comes on (that is really another problem like wires going bad) and you think you never solved the first issue you were working on or believed was the problem.

This is why MSD is nearly impossible to work out the bugs. It's like you have to change everything out all at once, rather than do a, then b, then c, then d. Because by the time you get to c or d, a may have gone bad.

At least this is what I've read in the messages, reading hundreds of them the last few days.

A stock system isn't nearly as critical with the wires running at 500 ohms per foot and the plugs running hotter and able to run so much longer. Of course the coil discharge is 15,000 volts compared to the 45,000 volts on the MSD coil. And stock systems don't run on capacitive discharge where a voltage field built up from two wires next to each other causes the voltage to jump and plug to misfire.



Once you get it running, separate wires, coat the plug wire caps with electrical goo. Move your coil away from any plug wires (say 6" to 1 foot). Keep any magnetic pick up wires away from the coil, or any plug wires. Voltage could be induced much like an inductive timing light causing a misfire.........and.......so.......on.

I think that is the reason so many people complain that the misfire ALWAYS occurs in the same cylinder, but the wire, plug, everything they seem to put in new. And it STILL misfires. Some of the messages I've read is they even go so far as checking cam clearances, removing cams, and removing heads thinking a bad valve or bad cam. And every message I read says the mechanical parts were correct===so it must be the MSD.

I believe MSD ought to come up with a leaking voltage pickup device where you could run it along the lengths of wires on a running motor and see where some voltage field exists around the wire(s) or there is some field around the coil causing the MSD to misfire, or the distributor, or dist. cap.

Most every message I've read were from people with newly rebuilt motors. I see the frustrations of them reading the advertisements on MSD and in other locations and thinking how good this system would make their vehicle run, the improved hp, the better mpg....

They spend all this money and it runs like crap.

Surely someone reading this message is having success with their MSD.

I have not read one message that said, "I had this problem...and this is what I did... and it is gone." Or one message that says, "It took me 2 hours to install and I'm getting 5mpg and 20hp more with my MSD."

I've got 200 + total man hours, and hundreds and hundreds of dollars, and it runs like crap.



However, I have done the things above (changed the wrong coil wire out and reversed the wrong polarity of the magnetic pickup coil) and my van is running the best it has in 1 1/2 years. There is still a distinct miss. But, I'm pulling all 8 plugs in a few days, checking them, checking ohm readings of all the wires, rerouting and separating plug and MSD wires, and while my plugs are out doing a dry & wet compression check of all cylinders, to make sure I'm not having valve or ring problems. (about 10,000 miles ago I readjusted all my valves and the truck did run better afterwards). But, I don't want to do all that until I am near 100% certain that my electrical problems are solved.

I'm going to send this message as well to a Tech. They really need to UPFRONT tell their customers how critical these electrical problems are to this system.

Al Harrison

[Rickdees]

I give! my friends blaster 2 coil with the lights off you just barley see it arcing from both the ground and positive to the tower. Bought a new blaster, I thought I got it but after minutes I could hear snapping! Same issue.
(Note; I've read on these coils also, and the American hot rod company known as MSD, their coils such as the blaster 2 are now made in china a long with some cap and rotors. out of the box faulty, like the new Oakland Bay Bridge)
I've read of guys who have had their blaster coils for twenty years and guys that have gone thru several coils with same symptoms, they all went back to stock coils and it ceased. (must be that Change Obama is talking about)

I have GOOD grounds, new cap, rotor, super conductor wires.
Obviously a resistance problem or just too much freakin voltage, do I use a bone stock coil to stop this.
Honestly, I am about to walk away from the F-n garage for another year or TWO or three?

[BradMph]

Not to compare my 4 cyl with your 8 cylinder, but I use a pertronix flame thrower canister coil and I have had it for many years. I installed the 3.0 ohm flame thrower 40000v without an outer ballast on the coil. I know if I used the 1.5 Ohm I would have had to use a ballast on top of the coil. My spark jumps a 1/2 in gap with a snappy loud arc and is a nice blue with an occasional bright yellow, but this is when I test right off a coil wire lead to a ground.

http://www.pertronix.com/prod/ig/flame/coils/40000_volt.aspx

•Legal in all 50 states and Canada. (C.A.R.B. E.O. #D-57-10)
They also have a 60,000v coil, probably would knock you on your ass if it ever bit you. :)

[pennyman1]

I have been running an original MSD blaster coil for 25+ years with no issues, in fact Geronimo is still running that coil right now.

[BradMph]

Pennyman are you a dinosaur? buy a new truck will you...Hey, we can go together and both update our (I can't get rid of my truck) issues. :lmao: What else on that truck is over 25 years old. Case I decide to get a kitty together to buy something new for it on Xmas

(Thinking if MSD was even around at that time) lol it was it was, I'm just kidding.

6520

[Rickdees]

Brad, that's some funny $h!t there!


But today after tuning with new Iridium plugs
I need to put a name here, there AC Iridium spark plugs. I put my old plugs back in the arcing stopped, My 6A does NOT like these plugs at all! They say their plugs are low resistance, I call BS!

Side note: A friend talk to MSD, "all their products are tested on NGK plugs"

[BradMph]

NGK has my vote!

[pennyman1]

So you think everything is old on Geronimo? tires are 1-2 years old front to back - have new sound system to install, new head with upgraded cam, new Doug Thorley header, Hurst pistol grip maybe to replace Zaxxon joystick shifter knob, dual Weber sidedraft carbs with manifold, airride suspension with fbss controller and belt driven compressor. Now if I only had the time to do it all...

[BradMph]

So you think everything is old on Geronimo? tires are 1-2 years old front to back - have new sound system to install, new head with upgraded cam, new Doug Thorley header, Hurst pistol grip maybe to replace Zaxxon joystick shifter knob, dual Weber sidedraft carbs with manifold, airride suspension with fbss controller and belt driven compressor. Now if I only had the time to do it all...

You have a duel carb intake? what is the brand name on that, or is that a custom made intake? I been looking for a duel intake, but most likely it would have to be a custom creation.


Oh ya...I was hoping for a bigger list of new stuff on that truck you have. ;)

[LSR Mike]

Hurst pistol grip maybe to replace Zaxxon joystick shifter knob,.

ooooh, there's a speed upgrade! :grinno:

[BradMph]

6526

Here it is...One I was interested in finding

[pennyman1]

the manifold is a weber made dual dcoe setup - not made for years. Every once in a while a single dcoe manifold turns up from austrailia, but its pricey. I also will get new wheels and tires after the airbags. Besides, how many other D-50s do you see here or anywhere else that has a LeVan Flex-thru rear window? I only know of one other truck in the tri-state area with one, and its a 1st gen s10 with a hottops removable roof to boot!

[Kiwi minitruck]

I'm using 6al msd ,blaster 2 coil ,9mm spiral core leads works like a dream,had a lot of ignition noise coming through stereo system so I put the msd noise filter on and that fix that issue... Here's pic of me redline manifold ,needs 2 x 45 mm weber decoe's which I can't afford lol and another pic of twin carb setup with adapter plate to fit the 2.6 motor

[Kiwi minitruck]

That's pic is of a right hand drive car ,must be from down under

[Kiwi minitruck]

6526

Here it is...One I was interested in finding
Try that again that's a right hand drive in this pic BradMph

[LethalEthan]

yeah we all know aus and NZ get all the good stuff, lucky devils.

On the isuzu i ran a used msd 6al with a blaster ss coil and 2 step rev module. I always ran NGK plugs and wires and never had any issue. I did run an accel coil wire though after being shocked by the 6al box 3 times through an older coil wire. not fun stuff at all.

[Rahtid]

It might be cheaper to use motorcycle carbs http://imageshack.us/a/img716/6572/s7uz.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/716/s7uz.jpg/)
http://imageshack.us/a/img842/5532/ws51.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/842/ws51.jpg/)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHNAZqTAiLY

[pennyman1]

That is an interesting concept, but the execution is a bit shakey for me...

[Rahtid]

why is that

[Kiwi minitruck]

Yea good one Rahtid, I think there is a YouTube video with that engine running ,said it had more power an better petrol consumption.
I think if one was going to go to a multi carb setup you would want to set ya distributor up to be mechanical advance (vacuum advance would not work anyway) brings me to say why has'nt MSD made a dizzy for our 4cylinders,they made one for a 4cylinder pinto

[Kiwi minitruck]

Ok here's that video on YouTube I couldn't figure out how to put up a link here it is ... Triton 4G54 Engine with 40mm Motorbike carbs....Word search that ,can figure out that distributor configuration lol

[BradMph]

the manifold is a weber made dual dcoe setup - not made for years. Every once in a while a single dcoe manifold turns up from austrailia, but its pricey. I also will get new wheels and tires after the airbags. Besides, how many other D-50s do you see here or anywhere else that has a LeVan Flex-thru rear window? I only know of one other truck in the tri-state area with one, and its a 1st gen s10 with a hottops removable roof to boot!

Those windows are friggin rare is right. I search my ass off for one and came up empty. Now on the other hand...they have come out with remote control rear windows which is pretty cool. Though I still like Pennyman's window much more and need to sneak over his place and get it.:lmao:

[BradMph]

Yea good one Rahtid, I think there is a YouTube video with that engine running ,said it had more power an better petrol consumption.
I think if one was going to go to a multi carb setup you would want to set ya distributor up to be mechanical advance (vacuum advance would not work anyway) brings me to say why has'nt MSD made a dizzy for our 4cylinders,they made one for a 4cylinder pinto

They also made one for the 4 banger 1974 Toyota Celica 18rc. I had one installed on my ole Celica with a High Fire ignition.

[Rahtid]

You could use either mechanical of vacuum advance with this set up, you can use a vacuum cap on a vacuum advance distributor.

[Kiwi minitruck]

Ok I don't no what a vacuum cap is,most twin side draft or quad carb set ups suffer from no vacuum advance because under full throttle conditions
There is no vacuum, so some set there advance high and then disconnect vacuum line,does make starting hard,that Triton quad carb link (above) the dude got rid of his distributor to fix the advance issue,can you explain what a vacuum cap is,cheers

[Kiwi minitruck]

yeah we all know aus and NZ get all the good stuff, lucky devils.

On the isuzu i ran a used msd 6al with a blaster ss coil and 2 step rev module. I always ran NGK plugs and wires and never had any issue. I did run an accel coil wire though after being shocked by the 6al box 3 times through an older coil wire. not fun stuff at all.

Even if we didn't have the good stuff down here in southern hemishshere we just import the stuff,you US guys would be blown away by the the stuff we import,we bring in shipping containers of parts an lots of cars, you name it we get it or will import it,and our dollar is worth less than yours, cheers Ethan

[Rickdees]

I was waiting for Gabe to post about his truck, which is the one I owned parked for 7 years.
I will tell you I didn't know much about these truck engines.
So I will state right here and now if you think a MSD blaster coil work on your truck, your right it does.
But then you run the resister, so it helps very little.
My understanding is you can not run a MSD 6 or 6A digital on these trucks, but you can upgrade a box that does run on
--> A Hall Effect<--- (ignition control module) such as these trucks have.
12214
Helping Gabe taught even me a trick or two.
Notice how smooth she purrs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHV9hIwlNuE

[Rickdees]

Huge diference in spark. How huge?
In the video I tested my MSD ignition a while back, Gabe's MSD ignition I tested it the same way, his fires and sounds just as hot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywSB_29XL5g&feature=youtu.be


My understanding is you can not trigger a MSD 6 or 6A digital on these trucks, but you can upgrade a box that does trigger on
--> A Hall Effect<--- (ignition control module) such as these trucks have.
12214

Side note, The stock ICM will trigger the MSD 6a or the digital 6a, but not very well and not for long.
You will smoke the stock ICM.
If you disconnect the resistor and try for hotter spark.
You will smoke the stock ICM. They cost about $100.
https://www.msdignition.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15666

#4
11-23-2010, 08:19 AM
msdtech1955
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,147
good to hear you got the info .you may want to take a look at the 6530 .( it can be used with a hall-effect distributor)
MSD Ignition 6350 SCI Plus Digital Ignition Box you could pay about $370 to $475 if you think money comes E Z?
12243
MSD 6350 Digital 6 Plus
12244
Gabe is running a Digital 6A without using a stock ignition control module and without the resistor on a modified Stock distributor.
Gabe's first $20 (@2.70 a gal.) of fuel, he went about a hundred miles on 32" tires.

[thehive]

Holy crap! I need this in my 2.4l carberated life! Will it work for that motor as well?

[BradMph]

I run a stock module on a modified distributor and have never ran a ballast resistor over my PERTRONIX 40,000-VOLT HIGH-PERFORMANCE COIL for years. Spark is blue and using about a .050 plug gap with NGK's. Have not ran the blaster coil 45,000 volt or the box yet though. Sort of out of my price range.

12254

[Rickdees]

I run a stock module on a modified distributor and have never ran a ballast resistor over my PERTRONIX 40,000-VOLT HIGH-PERFORMANCE COIL for years. Spark is blue and using about a .050 plug gap with NGK's. Have not ran the blaster coil 45,000 volt or the box yet though. Sort of out of my price range.

12254
Plug looks great. Do tell more since this is about ignitions.

Gabe's running a Stock modified distributor. We (he), went through 3 stock ICM's. Original, a used one and a new.
The first ICM the spark was WEAK. I suspect the the killer was the blaster II coil, dropping the resistor.
We believe the feed back on the second one with resistor smoked the ICM.
The third had spark running the resistor @ the coil and at the plugs (plugs out). Compared to my MSD 6, I'd let you hold the plug while I turn it over and giggle.
Gabe's last straw that killed #3 was dropping the resistor, again.
I twisted the key that time and I about died. lol, You see now it was also my fault.
But, all the time when he was working on it I was thinking and reading as usual. It was when he sat down in discuss of killing #3,
we talked about what I was thinking and what I read and post here about what the MSD tech said about Hall Effect, the trucks ICM.
That video on me testing my MSD is when I replaced my magnetic pickup when it wasn't my magnetic pickup.
So I had a spare old one.
Note: All MSD magnetic pickup are identical.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-84661?seid=srese1&gclid=CK7Jksvz18ICFc1ffgodY18AiA
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Cost of a MSD magnetic pickup is $26.68. Cost of a MSD digital 6A $199.95= $226.23 with free shipping

MSD Ignition 6350 SCI Plus Digital Ignition Box you could pay about $370 to $475 if you think money comes E Z?
Installing one of those could be a major pain since you still have to tune it, this,
it's a farly easy install, we did the homework. I'm spreading the gospel, slowly making you guys think outside the box is the starting point.

Holy crap! I need this in my 2.4l carburated life! Will it work for that motor as well?
As I stated I know very little about these engines, but I know this set up makes this 2.6 purr running a progressive Weber and 100% MSD ignition
This I can say, If your distributor diameter is smaller or shorter then the 2.6, it's iffy?
With some customizing of the MSD magnetic pickup, between the rotor and magnetic pickup the gap is about a match book cover thickness. MSD distrutors are a large radius, hense radius. so you have to change the MSD magnetic pick up radius gingerly in one area. I'll give more details later if the need be?

[pennyman1]

I wonder if the pickup in the older 2.6 dizzys might work better than the newer pickup for the 2.6 - the module on them is external to the pickup and bolts on the side of the dizzy. The starquest pickup is also separate from the control box, another option. But we want the particulars on this pickup and mod - I have a Holley high output ignition system needing the same style pickup to work.

[BradMph]

Mitsubishi 1st gen does not require a ballast resistor on a Coil that has a 3.0 Ohm primary resistance.
Mitsubishi 1st gen does require a ballast resistor on a Coil that has a 1.3 Ohm primary resistance

The flame thrower Pertronix coils are internally resisted so they are compatible with many ignition systems.
Oil filled coils offer great heat control for street driven vehicles, while epoxy filled coils provide superior winding support for high vibration environments in offroad vehicles and boats.
When I purchased the coil, my concern was to have a nice high voltage, 40,000 volts is plenty for a nice wide spark plug gap. My next concern was to fall into the Ohm range that the piggy back ballast was not needed. A 3.0 Ohms primary resistance coil achieved this. If I purchased the 1.5 Ohm coil, which our stock coil also uses, I would have to retain the ballast to protect the module from burning up.

In addition, I have also added the 3rd wire back to my starter that many say not to use. But, if you want a stronger / faster 12volt cranking of the engine during startup, it needs to be used. This 3rd wire requires a one way diode installed on it so the ignition burst does not end up going the wrong direction. If it does, it will over heat the starter quickly and rob power that is used for the coil to spark plug spark.

If you want to run with no resistor, use a 3.0 Ohm coil. If you buy a 1.5 Ohm coil, you better have that resistor next to the coil for added resistant.


It still is a bit confusing to me when I started researching issues I had with starting my truck. It had a slower cranking when I tried to start it which seemed normal because it has been this way for years and the spark was weak on the plugs.
I found I was getting under 12 volts during the cranking time and over heating the starter and this was not suppose to happen. I thought I had a weak coil and replaced it with the Pertronix Flame Thrower 3.0 Ohm. Then I searched all over and gathered this info concerning the starting period, 12 volts, 3rd wire information, coil resistor ballast, etc.
http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/showwiki.php?title=Electrical+System:The+Starter+p lus+R+and+S+Terminals&highlight=starter%2C+voltage

[Rickdees]

Mitsubishi 1st gen does not require a ballast resistor on a Coil that has a 3.0 Ohm primary resistance.
Mitsubishi 1st gen does require a ballast resistor on a Coil that has a 1.5 Ohm primary resistance
[/URL]
Brad, I'm basically clueless when it comes to ohms but I enjoy learning. Is this tested while the key is off?
For the lame like me.
Primary is; one lead of the meter on the coil positive terminal, the other on the coil negative terminal.
Secondary is; one lead to the coil positive terminal, the other lead to the center tower of the coil.
Here's the blaster 2
Primary – .7 OHMS
Secondary – 4.5K OHMS
https://www.msdignition.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19205

But we want the particulars on this pickup and mod - I have a Holley high output ignition system needing the same style pickup to work.
If your Holley is in fact magnetic pick up, you need to find it and dust it off. You'll be installing it real soon.
Here’s what we did to install the MSD magnetic trigger.
I included a diagram for those who don’t know their 2.0 and 2.6 distributor.
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We’re talking about removing #7. We call the Ignition Control Module and replace with a
MSD part # 84661 to use on a 6a or digital 6a. “which require” a magnetic trigger.
We’re removing the distributor in order to work on this. You’ll need to get to the breaker base (part #10 in the above diagram). On it sets the ICM which rotates by vacuum. Vacuum advance.
If your asking why,? Here is the why.

All hall effect signals are powered by the ECU and grounded and they are magnetic and signal in a square wave.
I’m not the guy to explain this stuff but I understand pictures.
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Above is square “wave”. Below is a “magnetic “.
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When you order a MSD magnetic pick up part # 84661, you’ll get two nuts and bolts which are #8 x32
We used these bolts (or get metric bolts if you wish, it‘s your truck).

Again, trying to say this so a newbie and new or old enthusiasts can understand is important, which is my weakness.
Many good men do this, don’t get lost right at the get go!

1. Make sure you put the crank timing marks on top dead center.
2. Make sure you check the rotor , is it pointing at #1 on the distributor cap.
3. Make sure you’re looking at the right #1 plug wire
If it’s pointing at #4, it’s a 180* out.
#1 Rotate one more revolution at the crank to top dead center.
#2 Look at the rotor again, is it pointing at #1?
#3 Make sure you’re looking at the right #1 plug wire
If you’re sure, pull the distributor and break it down to the breaker base (#10)
Disconnect the vacuum linkage #11 or #12/ (Gabe’s truck is #12)
#9 will also need to be removed to get the base off held on by two screws NOTE; the one notch for alignment of the base.
Take pictures, save some pain if the need be.
First, The red part in the MSD picture are the places that need some material removed.
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NOTE; do not use a hard grinding disc or soft pad grinding disc on the magnet to removed material. The heat tends to fragment the magnet.
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ONLY USE A BURR BIT/ROTARY FILE.
Grind off enough magnet marked in red in the MSD picture until hole #1 is centered over the original ICM hole on the vacuum linkage side.
(don’t worry about the steel part of the MSD yet)*
At this point the breaker base is your hand now, Tap (#8x32) the hole on the base on the vacuum linkage side where the ICM was screwed down. You can turn the two base plates to clear the tap and not break it off.
Place the magnet on the base and run a bolt in it and then cut it off with a zip cutting disc carefully.
Re install the breaker base into the distributor and place the magnetic pick up back into the distributor and slide #9 fully back on. #9 will now be part the trigger and now called a reluctor. Position the magnet on the bottom of the pickup mount. The black stripe on the side of the magnet must face towards the pickup (Figure 1). The air gap between the pickup and reluctor should be between .018” - .030”
*BEFORE GRINDING/FILLING, PAY ATTENTION TO THE MARKINGS ON THE MAGNET in the below MSD diagram !
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You’ll notice the reluctor doesn’t fill the MSD pick up 100%, but it will in fact trigger it.
You will have to shave the magnet and the steel part of the magnetic trigger several times
to get between the air gap MSD requires (In the Diagram) and the Breaker base to freely move for the vacuum advance.
Once you feel you have both the gap and the base is moving freely. Find a drill bit the same size as the MSD holes and drill to only mark the base plate (don’t go to deep this only to make sure the proper sized drill for the tap doesn’t drift. You want some room to adjust the gap and clear the cap. You get off and you’re screwed until you find a replacement distributor.*
You have about 1/16” to be off in placing this #2 hole. Don’t worry, take your time and be careful.
Yes, it throws the rotation off the firing order off. don't worry #1 will now be at #3. just remove the wires and rotate back and re time.
You'll be off the original timing mark on the distributor by about 3/8 of a inch. Remember, distributors don't time the cam and crank the timming chain does that. The distributor only delivers the spark at the right time.
NOTE: be sure to use a distributor cap that has brass contacts. Aluminum is not going to cut it.
I hope I made a small dab of sense here. I'll find mistakes, later.

It’s much later now.
Looking at my 1986 factory bible these truck came with two different types of distributors.
One is Mitsubishi and the other is Nippon Denso. Gabriel’s truck is a Mitsubishi type.
Here’s where size really matters. Unlike your lovely maidens child bearing birthing channel there’s zero room to spare.
I know squat about the 2.0 distributor and I should not talk pooh about ladies I don’t know.
Sorry. The questions are now,
Is the inside dimensions of the distributor the very same, radius?
Does the under side of the rotor ride at the same height off the breaker base plate as the 2.6?

I can't believe we only took one picture? in the pic, only the #1 bolt on the vacuum side is holding the trigger so far.
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You can see how large this is. Soon we're going to cut a old distributor cap in half and put the base of the cap back on and use a vacuum pump on the advance and make sure the Magnetic Trigger doesn't hit the cap, since we did very little trimming on the plastic part mark red on the MT pic above.

[pennyman1]

thats a lot of technical info to take in - I have to look to see which distrib I have. Sounds like a lot of work, but it isn't as bad as it reads. I have spare distribs to work with - I will use one of them in case I have issues with the mod

[noahwins]

Am I reading this thread correctly that Rickdeez and Gabe are the first to ever get an MSD working correctly on our trucks? Jeez, I thought they were plug and pray.

[pennyman1]

I had an MSD 5 on Geronimo years ago, but that is a different animal from the MSD 6AL. The MSD 5 is an add on that runs in parallel to the stock system, the MDS 6AL is a stand alone system.

[can th]

SOOO HAS ANY ONE DONE IT. OR MAYBE EVEN A THANKS TO RICK FOR EXPLAINING IT ALL?
I didnt want to say a word. I figured not one person who helped me mentioned i could not run the box.... even though they knew......... umm rudeness but the truck runs awesome and has a shit ton of power and you will recieve outstanding fuel economy ( some what that of a prius) lol but you guys wont regret it i promise

[pennyman1]

I never had one to try it - I wasn't sure you couldn't run it with the stock ignition. Not being rude at all - didn't know for sure. I have the Holley annililator ignition box that is like that - didn't know that until I read the directions, so I haven't used it yet. No one on here would let you struggle like that if we knew for sure - glad you and Rickdees figured it out.

[thehive]

i'm sooo doing this when the time comes

[can th]

I believe the holly is the same concept. ..... but the guy is a genius

[tink]

*gasp*
This is incredible info =)

File > Save Page As... > The-MSD-Thread.
Save as type: Web Page Complete

Huge thanks for the write-up and the pics, now getting more vids to look at related on youtube.

[dcfab.us]

Just thought Id offer another CDI ignition option.
http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/showthread.php/3803-Mallory-685-ignition-box-install-help?highlight=mallory

[Rickdees]

I believe the holly is the same concept. ..... but the guy is a genius
Gabe, thanks but I'm not a genius, I just think outside the box.
Gotta update here, this is conversion is working quite well. Just too well. I believe Gaberiel is running NGK 7
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I haven't seen his plugs, but he's says 7 are too hot. Makes total sense, these MSD boxes fire spark three times.
Keep an eye on your spark plugs if you chose to do this.
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[BradMph]

Sorry Rick, I missed your question on this thread in Dec. Hope this helps to explain it better.



Here are the Stock Ohm readings when testing coil related resistances across the specified connectors. I also included a Q & A to help describe why and what about this stuff. It will help describe it better then I can.

2.0L and 2.6L Engines

1. Measure the resistance of the external resistor on the coil by connecting the probes of an ohmmeter across the two resistor connectors. Resistance should be as follows or the unit should be replaced.
* 2.0L engine (1983-86): 1.35 ohms
* 2.0L engine (1987-89): 1.2-1.4 ohms
* 2.6L engine (1983-86): 1.04-1.27 ohms
* 2.6L engine (1987-88): 1.25 ohms
* 2.6L engine (1989-90): 1.12-1.38 ohms

2. Measure the resistance across the coil primary circuit by connecting an ohmmeter between the (+) and (-) coil connectors. Resistance must be approximately as follows or the coil should be replaced.
* 2.0L engine (1983-86): 1.2 ohms
* 2.0L engine (1987-89): 1.08-1.32 ohms
* 2.6L engine (1983-86): 1.04-1.27 ohms
* 2.6L engine (1987-88): 1.25 ohms
* 2.6L engine (1989-90): 1.12-1.38 ohms

3. Set your ohmmeter to the x1000 scale and measure the resistance between the connector inside the coil tower and the coil (+) terminal. This is secondary resistance and must be as follows, or the unit should be replaced.
* 2.0L engine (1983-86): 1.2 kilohms
* 2.0L engine (1987-89): 1.08-1.32 kilohms
* 2.6L engine (1983-86): 7.1-9.6 kilohms
* 2.6L engine (1987-88): 11.0 kilohms
* 2.6L engine (1989-90): 9.4-12.7 kilohms

4. Inspect the unit for oil leaks and cracks in the coil tower, and replace it if any defects are noted.


NOTE: While reading below, ignore the sales pitch for their Indigo Ignition. This info is just posted to draw light on Coils, Resistance, Ballast Resistors, etc.


Q: How come a ballast resistor is now needed after all of these years of offering the Indigo Ignition Kit without one?

A: That is a good question. I am still not convinced that one is needed when operating an Atomic within all of the proper operating parameters. These parameters include electric system voltage, coil resistance, engine RPM, engine compartment temperature, type of alternator regulator, and normal mode of operation. I personally have never experienced a coil failure but it has recently come to light that some have occurred and the exact reason for the failure(s) is not fully understood. My best guess is that some of the operating parameters are not in the optimum range causing the coils to run excessively hot. The best means of reducing coil operating temperature is to reduce the voltage across the coil and the current running through it with a ballast resistor.

Q: Just what is a Ballast Resistor and what does it do?

A: A Ballast Resistor is an electrical device that is installed in an electrical circuit to provide resistance to the flow of electricity in that circuit. In this specific case, the resistor is installed between the primary voltage source for the ignition coil (the wire that comes from the ignition switch) and the coil (+) stud. With the resistor installed in this manner, the coil no longer sees full system voltage but rather it sees about 2 volts less. Additionally, the current passing through the coil is reduced about .5 amps.

Q: What can I expect to see different with my ignition system if I instalI a Ballast Resistor?

A: The only difference you should notice is that the coil will not get as hot as it did previously and have a longer life. It will still most likely be hot to the touch however. Maximum temperature should be about 165F. Engine operation should remain unaffected.

Q: Why can't I just install an automotive Ballast Resistor from an auto parts store?

A: You can but it will probably not hold up as well in a marine environment as the Indigo Ballast Resistor. Additionally, most automotive ballast resistors have quick disconnect type connections which are not the most trouble free type of connection for a marine application.

Q: With a Ballast Resistor installed and the voltage reduced to the coil, will the coil make enough of a spark to be able get the engine started?

A: When the starter motor is cranking the engine, the system voltage does indeed drop to about 10 Volts. For this reason, a jumper wire is included with the Ballast Resistor Kit to provide this full 10 Volts directly to the coil when starting. On all late Model A4 starter motor solenoids, there is an #8-32 stud which attaches to an internal auxiliary contact. This stud is normally not energized. However, when the starter motor is engaged and running, full system voltage is present at this stud. A jumper wire can be run from this stud to the (+) terminal on the coil thus providing full system voltage to the coil for starting. (The infamous 3 wire starter requirement that many auto parts counter boys say you don't need, WRONG) ) Once the starter disengages, the stud is no longer energized. That is OK as the system voltage has returned to its normal level as the starter motor is no longer energized and system voltage is supplied via the normal path.

Q: What if my starter does not have the auxiliary contact for bypassing the Ballast Resistor?

A: The first option would be to try starting the engine without the jumper and see how things go. If you are unable to get it to start, you can wire in a jumper with a manual switch such that the switch is turned on for starting and then turned off for normal operation. If you were to inadvertently leave the switch in the on position, the coil would simply get hotter as though there is not a Ballast Resistor in the circuit.

Q:What happens if the Ballast Resistor fails open?

A: The engine would start but only run while the starter is engaged. It would immediately die once the starter switch was returned to the normal run position. The Ballast Resistor could be removed from the circuit and the engine would operate properly except the coil would run hotter.

__________________________________________________ ______

Just what is a Ballast Resistor and why is one needed? A Ballast Resistor is an extra electrical "load" which is installed in the electric circuit providing power to the ignition coil for the purpose of reducing the voltage that the coil receives. This may seem somewhat counter-intuitive as one would think that the higher the voltage to the coil, the better the spark to the plugs and the better the engine will run. That is true up to a certain point. After that point, the extra voltage simply causes the coil to run at a higher temperature than it needs to. For years, the Indigo Electronic Ignition Kit has been offered and installed without a Ballast Resistor with essentially no feedback that there was any issue with the coil running hot. It has been known that the coil can be found to operate near 200 F but that was to be expected and has not presented any problem. However, a very lively and informative discussion was held on the Moyer Marine Forum in 2011 regarding coil heating, failures and possible solutions. At that time it came to light that a few A4 owners, at least those who participate in the Forum, had indeed experienced multiple coil failures. The consensus was that the coils were operating at too high a temperature and that was leading to premature failure. It was also realized that there are a number of variables that can have a significant affect on coil temperature, including the coil internal resistance, alternator output voltage, type of alternator regulator, A4 operating speed, A4 operating temperature and engine compartment temperature, and A4 duty cycle (long periods of operation versus short periods).

We took this concern to heart and decided it was time to conduct our own testing. Three different Ballast Resistors (1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 Ohms) were tried initially. Picking the proper resistor is not as straightforward as one might think. While the coil has a certain internal resistance (as measured across the two brass studs on it), a coil does not behave in the same manner as does a plain resistor when installed in an electrical circuit. Inductance and capacitance come into play such that the current flowing through the coil is less that the value obtained by simply dividing the Voltage across the coil by the coil resistance (I=V/R). As testing progressed, it was quickly realized that the 1.5 Ohm version would be the optimum choice for several reasons. First, the 1.5 Ohm resistor provides about a 2 Volt drop. This will give a range at the coil of from 10-12 Volts with the system Voltage being 12-14 Volts. That range insures that you have sufficient spark to keep the engine running yet protects against high system Voltage. Second, the 1.5 Ohm Resistor reduces the Wattage (and thus the heating and operating temperature)in the coil about 35%. The type of Ballast Resistor chosen provides reasonable cooling surfaces and a minimal full load rating of 50W. However, the resistor selected has to be de-rated from the 50 Watt rating as no additional heat sink is installed and also for an ambient temperature of 150F (typical engine compartment). Nevertheless, the resistor is still rated for continuous operation at 6 Watts which is just about two times the worst case operating condition for the A4 (See Table Below).

One very important consideration given to any ignition system is that it must be capable of starting the engine when the starter motor is running. It is at this time that the system voltage is at its lowest as the starter motor draws a very significant amount of current. It is not unusual to see the voltage drop as low as 10 volts when starting. For this reason, a jumper wire is utilized during starting to remove the Ballast Resistor from the circuit and provide full available voltage to the coil. On all late Model A4 starter motor solenoids, there is an #8-32 stud which attaches to an internal auxiliary contact. This stud is normally not energized. However, when the starter motor is engaged and running, full system voltage is present at this stud. A jumper wire can be run from this stud to the (+) terminal on the coil thus providing full system voltage to the coil for starting. Once the starter disengages, the stud is no longer energized. That is OK as the system voltage has returned to its normal level as the starter motor is no longer energized and system voltage is supplied via the normal path.

Test data was obtained utilizing a bench mounted system which is routinely used to verify Electronic Ignition Kit components prior to packaging and shipping. The shutter is rotated at a constant speed of 360 RPM which is equal to an engine idle speed of 720 RPM. The slower the engine runs, the greater the heating of the coil so this shutter speed represents a worst case condition. Voltage applied to this system is maintained with a 12 VDC battery and a Smart Charger. A voltage of 13.5 VDC was chosen to simulate an alternator which charges at a voltage level appropriate for proper charging. Voltage and Amperage were both measured with a Fluke Digital Volt-Ohm meter and temperatures measured with a non contact Infrared Laser Thermometer and verified with a contact probe used with the Fluke meter.

Indigo Ignition System Performance - With and W/O a Ballast Resistor



Configuration
Voltage from
Ignition Switch VDC
Measured Current Amps
Coil Temp/Watts
Ballast Resistor Temp / Watts



No Ballast Resistor
13.5
1.90
195F / 25.7



1.5 Ohm Ballast Resistor
13.5
1.42
165F / 16.2
178F / 3.0

[mitsubishikid]

I have some good info to share on here, because I also am in the process of swapping in a digital msd 6al unit into my truck, I fallowed this thread and got in contact, with the OP Rick, I also shared my findings on the MM/D50 Facebook page, and he gave me a few more details on this swap, he also gave me permission to share some of my findings on here. so to add to this post I will share what distributor cap and rotor to use with the setup: they both were purchased from Napa autoparts.
Napa/Echlin: Distributor CAP [with brass contacts] part number EP706
Napa/Echlin: Rotor[brass plated]: part number EP342
also I used special drill bits that you can get on ebay and amazon that have the thread on the drill bit they worked great in my case so I recommend them I'll leave a link that you can copy and paste into your search engine, https://www.ebay.com/itm/6Pcs-set-1-4-quot-High-Speed-Steel-Screw-Thread-Metric-Spiral-Hand-Plug-Tap-/162391550931?txnId=1649251488006
These are ones I used, I opted to use the metric 4 bit that comes in the 6 piece set.

I have yet to really wire in the msd unit and everything, but for the most part my distributor is modded and ready to try if it does not work I'll start over again lol but I'll share any info I have on the swap on here or I'll make a new thread if I have to, but for sure I wanted to thank Rick for still willing to help us MM/D50 guys out, he was a great help in getting this together for us Thanks a million Rick.

[Can1991Ram]

So from what I have read so far.. I out of luck adding the old MSD 6200 6A that I had in my parts bin into my 91 Ram 50.

According to the instructions I could trigger it with the Negative line that would have went to the coil.

[Can1991Ram]

I am trying to date this box and the transistors have a 9304 date code so I'm assuming 1993, 4th month

[WarStryker13]

Thread resurrection time!

Is there a walk-through or wiring diagram for running a MSD Blaster 2 coil without using an MSD 6A box? I'd like to drop a 6A box in this truck eventually, but right now I'd like to do this as (cheap) simple as possible. I'm wanting to run the stock distributor if possible or a modified stock distributor if necessary, go as simple as possible with wiring and try to get the truck running proper with the least amount of fiddling and hassle. I've got the stock ballast resistor, a (bad) stock coil, and all of the wiring is still there. Can it be done and function properly without smoking the stock ICM?

[claych]

geezer???
Please do chime in

[geezer101]

I wish I had some input on the MSD6A. The only time I've upgraded my ignition was swapping a stock coil for a Bosch T-coil, 8.0mm stainless steel spiral wound leads and performance plugs. It was punching out about 40kV to the plugs and seemed to work really well but I didn't have anything to compare it against personally. I do know there are fake MSD's lurking on the net - dry/transformer type coils are cheaper to get and were fitted as standard on Mitsubishis, so I don't have to stress about resistance values or cooking something. I actually bought a Diamond brand recently (which is a Mitsu unit and I got it insanely cheap here in Oz from ebay) for my truck and I'll be getting decent leads, plugs and a new noise suppressor soon.

[WarStryker13]

I'm sorry, I'm basically clueless here. I never got the chance before now to get into the details of an older vehicle, so I'm just trying to figure out what wires go where and what plugs into what. I know the bare bones basics, but a nudge in the right direction to some literature that explains everything would be hugely appreciated.

I still have more reading to do in the wiki section here, and I have a lot to learn, but that's kinda why I'm asking so many questions.

[pennyman1]

despite the odd looking coil in your truck, it still works the same as a blaster 2 coil. I have to pull out a manual to figure out the wiring for you, or go to the manuals section and look for yourself.

[WarStryker13]

I'm looking for it myself, I realize I jumped the gun here but I'm really glad there's experience on here, because I'm dumb and rush headlong into things. All the time.

I am going to get a 0.8 ohm ballast resistor for the Blaster 2 coil, because that's what the documentation says it needs, so that's what I'm going to try and find.