Hot Rod Forum banner

MSD Ignition coil

7K views 8 replies 4 participants last post by  pepi 
#1 ·
No spark detected at cylinder. Tested voltage from batt = 12V. Batt to MSD ignition box (MSD 6AL - p/n 6420) = 12V . MSD ignition box to MSD coil (blaster ss - p/n 8207) - BAD = no 12V.
I know that there is not suppose to be 12V at the positive wire of the ignition coil due to the capacitive discharge of the ignition box, but I am getting a weird reading from the coil. The positive wire (orange) and negative wire (black) both have continuity to ground. Before I go wire chasing, does the ignition box purposely ground the positive wire when the engine is off? I took readings with the key in the On and Off position and still get the same result.

However, I am reading 4.5V being sent straight from the ignition box to the distributor cap.
 
#5 ·
Ok, fires up but will not stay running.
Here's the summary of what happened. A buddy's 69 Mach 1 (351 Cleveland) overheated and engine shut down. We replaced water pump and radiator. Car would not fire up. Replaced MSD box, fires up but will not stay running (it will not maintain an idle). Adjusted timing but will not dial in to keep engine running. Gonna pull the timing cover to check timing chain and sprockets. Feel free to chime in and give any thoughts :D Thanks again guys
 
#7 ·
Well, i don't really know from 1st hand experience what was going on at the time the car overheated. He gave me a call and i went to help him out. All i really know is, the car overheated to the point where the engine shut down. I replaced the water pump and radiator for him. When we went to fire it up, no spark at the plugs. Replaced MSD box, fires up now, but will not remain running.
I was just as puzzled as you about the timing. The reason why i'm leaning toward the timing chain is that no matter how much i try to adjust the timing, i can't keep it running without holding the accelerator down a little. Also, it has a pretty good spark knock that i can hear at different rpm's. Knocking is not constant at all rpm's. Knock comes and goes as the engine is revved.
 
#9 ·
Worst thing that can happen to a motor, overheating is very bad. The one thing that really has the most impact on that is the driver. The biggest question that needs to be answered and only your bud knows that. Is how long did he drive it after it over heated?

That will have the biggest impact on where to start to looking. As mentioned above cracked head, blown head gasket, what you are describing does not sound real promising. Can you say compression test..
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top