1967 'cuda
Dropped on Head as a Baby
ONCE AGAIN, I must ask. Isn't that supposed to be one of those jobs illegals are supposed to be doing because we refuse?
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Another Mopar Off My Bucket List - Barracuda Fastback
- Thread starter 1967 'cuda
- Start date
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ONCE AGAIN, I must ask. Isn't that supposed to be one of those jobs illegals are supposed to be doing because we refuse?
1967 'cuda
Dropped on Head as a Baby
HOLY-CH-MOLY it's raining hard now! I think you could drown a fish in this stuff! That reminds me, - I better check on the Barracuda...
I hope these cars can float.
I hope these cars can float.
1967 'cuda
Dropped on Head as a Baby
I didn't realize Nebraska had a monsoon season.
It's coming down much harder than the pictures show. Part of the time I had difficulty seeing across the street.
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It's coming down much harder than the pictures show. Part of the time I had difficulty seeing across the street.
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If I could have hired one today, he would have several more $20 in his pocket.
My body hurts, and I still am not done digging.
1967 'cuda
Dropped on Head as a Baby
The flash caught some of the drops on their way down.
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1967 'cuda
Dropped on Head as a Baby
I can't decide if I'm cursed or just a total freakin' idiot. During a break in the rain last night we tried to start the engine again. As fast as it spun I suspected we had lost spark. After a quick test it was confirmed.
We weren't sure why. It could have been the FAST controller, the MSD Digital 6+, or the coil. It was late, the rain had restarted, - we called it a night.
I went online and sought directions for testing the MSD box. According to MSD the box can be tested by intermittently jumping the green & purple signal while looking for a spark to ground from the coil. If no spark is present there's supposed to be a problem with either the MSD box or the coil.
Thursday it was still raining. When it let up long enough, we ran the test. We had no spark.
The easiest thing to try was swapping out the coil. We had a new Mallory unit that we'd bought to replace the ACCEL coil we'd already robbed from the Charger project. We still had no spark after the swap.
I'm running the same MSD Digital 6+ box on my Barracuda so I decided to repeat the test on it to see if we got different results. The test worked on the 'Cuda. We had spark. So it appears to have been a valid test method.
The next question is where do we go from here. We could rob the Barracuda and leave it disabled until a new box arrives. That would allow us to make further progress on the Roadrunner. I've got MSD boxes on the Duster and dually but they're not direct replacements for the MSD 6+. If we order a new box it won't be here in time to get the Roadrunner done for Spencer to drive it back to Iowa.
While the rain is coming down hard again we're having the debate. If we don't finish the car I'll be providing taxi service for Spencer's ride back.
We weren't sure why. It could have been the FAST controller, the MSD Digital 6+, or the coil. It was late, the rain had restarted, - we called it a night.
I went online and sought directions for testing the MSD box. According to MSD the box can be tested by intermittently jumping the green & purple signal while looking for a spark to ground from the coil. If no spark is present there's supposed to be a problem with either the MSD box or the coil.
Thursday it was still raining. When it let up long enough, we ran the test. We had no spark.
The easiest thing to try was swapping out the coil. We had a new Mallory unit that we'd bought to replace the ACCEL coil we'd already robbed from the Charger project. We still had no spark after the swap.
I'm running the same MSD Digital 6+ box on my Barracuda so I decided to repeat the test on it to see if we got different results. The test worked on the 'Cuda. We had spark. So it appears to have been a valid test method.
The next question is where do we go from here. We could rob the Barracuda and leave it disabled until a new box arrives. That would allow us to make further progress on the Roadrunner. I've got MSD boxes on the Duster and dually but they're not direct replacements for the MSD 6+. If we order a new box it won't be here in time to get the Roadrunner done for Spencer to drive it back to Iowa.
While the rain is coming down hard again we're having the debate. If we don't finish the car I'll be providing taxi service for Spencer's ride back.
1967 'cuda
Dropped on Head as a Baby
I checked the MSD website and they recommend the MSD power cables be disconnected when charging your battery. I'm afraid we might have fried the box. I was so concerned with the FAST controller that I made certain we'd unhooked it but I neglected to think about the MSD box.
1967 'cuda
Dropped on Head as a Baby
We managed to pull the MSD box off of the Roadrunner without too much effort. It gets confusing when you're dealing with wiring instructions from FAST combined with wiring instructions from MSD. There are no schematics that show the two combined and the MSD needs to be wired differently than it's instructions show in order to interface with the FAST controller's firing signal. I made certain to draw my own schematic before unwiring the old box.
Next it was time to turn the Barracuda into a parts car. I had all the wiring bundled tightly and wrapped with electrical tape, plastic wire conduit, and pull ties. Oh well...
It took a few hours to make the swap. We could have done it much faster but we took the time to route all the wires neatly. The FAST system hates electrical noise. We had all of the wiring finished except for the few connections we needed to break for testing the MSD box. - Then we performed the test again.
SUCCESS!!!
The rain came back just after we'd finished our test so we had to stop again. Although we hadn't been taxing the battery much I decided to disconnect everything and put the charger back on it. According to my battery charger it was down to a 52% charge. This battery isn't going to cut it. We may get by for now but we need a replacement.
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Next it was time to turn the Barracuda into a parts car. I had all the wiring bundled tightly and wrapped with electrical tape, plastic wire conduit, and pull ties. Oh well...
It took a few hours to make the swap. We could have done it much faster but we took the time to route all the wires neatly. The FAST system hates electrical noise. We had all of the wiring finished except for the few connections we needed to break for testing the MSD box. - Then we performed the test again.
SUCCESS!!!
The rain came back just after we'd finished our test so we had to stop again. Although we hadn't been taxing the battery much I decided to disconnect everything and put the charger back on it. According to my battery charger it was down to a 52% charge. This battery isn't going to cut it. We may get by for now but we need a replacement.
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needsaresto
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Good on ya,remembering to disconnect the MSD before charging. Fool me twice..You had quite a fight on your hands. I can relate...
1967 'cuda
Dropped on Head as a Baby
I just hope nothing else breaks. Don't underestimate my ability to screw things up. I've had years of practice.
I'm not 100% certain that we were the cause of the failed MSD box. The fact that it went bad after we'd charged the battery seems to point towards us causing it. I've been in the habit of charging the batteries on the 'Cuda, Duster, and dually whenever they needed it and never disconnected their MSD boxes. This was our first box failure. I guess I'll be disconnecting things on all the cars from now on.
I contacted MSD about repair work on our box and found that the warranty was only good for 1 year. They said it would cost a minimum of $28 and a maximum of $88 for the repairs. That excludes shipping costs. If it does turn out that the box is beyond repair they'll still charge us the $28 minimum fee. Considering that JEGS wants around $360 for a new one, we'll be sending this one back in.
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1967 'cuda
Dropped on Head as a Baby
They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. :evil2: Despite all of our attempts thus far, the Roadrunner is still a lawn ornament.
It tries to run. We know it's getting fuel and spark now. It just won't start. :dontknow:
I'm guessing now that we have a timing issue. If I'm right we have had a problem with it even before we updated the FAST controller. It could be why the first setup was so quirky.
When I phased the rotor I used the TDC mark on the harmonic balancer as my reference point for setting timing. I never verified that the mark was accurate. :la: We are throwing in the towel for now and I guess I'm Spence's chauffeur back to Iowa tomorrow.
:burnout:
When I get back I'll hunt down a top stop to make certain the harmonic balancer mark and my distributor settings are accurate. :crybaby::crybaby::crybaby:
It tries to run. We know it's getting fuel and spark now. It just won't start. :dontknow:
I'm guessing now that we have a timing issue. If I'm right we have had a problem with it even before we updated the FAST controller. It could be why the first setup was so quirky.
When I phased the rotor I used the TDC mark on the harmonic balancer as my reference point for setting timing. I never verified that the mark was accurate. :la: We are throwing in the towel for now and I guess I'm Spence's chauffeur back to Iowa tomorrow.
:burnout:
When I get back I'll hunt down a top stop to make certain the harmonic balancer mark and my distributor settings are accurate. :crybaby::crybaby::crybaby:
SNKEBIT
Spending $$ on Mopars
One thing to keep in mind FI does not like low battery voltage at all.
A almost crap battery that has enough juice to start a vehicle can still run like crap.
A almost crap battery that has enough juice to start a vehicle can still run like crap.
I have this battery disconnect on all my antique cars.
Simple and neat, easy to use.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mor-74103
Simple and neat, easy to use.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mor-74103
needsaresto
Well-Known Member
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1967 'cuda
Dropped on Head as a Baby
TOTAL CARNAGE!!
'90s Chevy pickup annihilated by rocket launcher! Several Priuses destroyed by automatic rifles! A couple of Hondas bit the dust with hand grenades!
Alright, the damage was only part of my imagination on my trip to and from Iowa. If I'd have known Friday was National Piss Off Fellow Interstate Drivers Day I'd have chosen another day to hit the road.
The road trip was actually one of my most uneventful. My son switched driving duties half way to his place. Other than a few inconsiderate drivers, going down there was a breeze.
I started back just before dark. As I pulled out of their driveway my GPS took a dump. The screen turned all sorts of strange colors and then went black. I didn't really need it but it's another voice to listen to besides the ones in my head.
They must have been filming another remake of Deathrace 2000 and didn't realize my pickup was not supposed to be part of the movie. My first encounter was with a new Honda. The driver must have thought the Interstate speed limit was 35 mph. I tried passing him a number of times but he seemed intent on choosing whichever lane I signaled I was going to switch to. I kept my road rage in check but the voices in my head tossed a grenade at him as I finally made it by.
The Chevy pickup driver must have thought he was at Daytona and was trying to draft me for about 20 miles. I couldn't see his bumper or even his headlights because he was so close. I think I could see his teeth reflecting off his dash lights through my rear view mirror. The voices took him out with a rocket launcher.
Someone must have figured out a way to mount lighthouse beacons on the front of their Prius. I think my retinas are partially melted. If those were his dims coming from behind I'd have hated to see what the brights were like. If I'd looked down I think I could have seen my rib cage through my shirt. The voice inside my head suggested the AK.
But I came through the trip unscathed. No wheels fell off. I didn't catch fire. Nothing actually exploded. It was weird.
'90s Chevy pickup annihilated by rocket launcher! Several Priuses destroyed by automatic rifles! A couple of Hondas bit the dust with hand grenades!
Alright, the damage was only part of my imagination on my trip to and from Iowa. If I'd have known Friday was National Piss Off Fellow Interstate Drivers Day I'd have chosen another day to hit the road.
The road trip was actually one of my most uneventful. My son switched driving duties half way to his place. Other than a few inconsiderate drivers, going down there was a breeze.
I started back just before dark. As I pulled out of their driveway my GPS took a dump. The screen turned all sorts of strange colors and then went black. I didn't really need it but it's another voice to listen to besides the ones in my head.
They must have been filming another remake of Deathrace 2000 and didn't realize my pickup was not supposed to be part of the movie. My first encounter was with a new Honda. The driver must have thought the Interstate speed limit was 35 mph. I tried passing him a number of times but he seemed intent on choosing whichever lane I signaled I was going to switch to. I kept my road rage in check but the voices in my head tossed a grenade at him as I finally made it by.
The Chevy pickup driver must have thought he was at Daytona and was trying to draft me for about 20 miles. I couldn't see his bumper or even his headlights because he was so close. I think I could see his teeth reflecting off his dash lights through my rear view mirror. The voices took him out with a rocket launcher.
Someone must have figured out a way to mount lighthouse beacons on the front of their Prius. I think my retinas are partially melted. If those were his dims coming from behind I'd have hated to see what the brights were like. If I'd looked down I think I could have seen my rib cage through my shirt. The voice inside my head suggested the AK.
But I came through the trip unscathed. No wheels fell off. I didn't catch fire. Nothing actually exploded. It was weird.
LOL!
BTW, if the ignition box fries from charging the battery, MSD sure went cheap on the protective circuitry on the power intake.
Just saying, from an electronics design engineer point of view.
BTW, if the ignition box fries from charging the battery, MSD sure went cheap on the protective circuitry on the power intake.
Just saying, from an electronics design engineer point of view.
1967 'cuda
Dropped on Head as a Baby
I'm definitely no expert with electronics (or anything else), but it really bugs me that you'd never be able to jump start your car if you've got some of these new devices on them. I guess I can handle the idea of having to disconnect the battery before charging it but I'd hate to be left stranded away from home somewhere there wasn't a readily available replacement battery. I guess I might chance getting a jump in such a circumstance.
Years ago I'd known several guys that kept replacement MSD boxes with them (just in case).
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Ooh, that would hurt, killing your car on the side of the road getting a jump from a passer-by.
My guess is that some chargers may have an output voltage that is too high before t is connected to the battery. Once it's charging everything's fine but that first initial transient is enough to fry the voltage regulator in the MSD.
You could probably save the MSD by adding an external TVS diode from plus to minus. I'm on my phone right how so it's a little difficult for me to look one up and make a drawing but I'll try to remember when I get home.
Do you know what the MSD spec says for input voltage range?
I'm not sure if Radio Shack went out of business but they would probably have the part for less than a dollar.
My guess is that some chargers may have an output voltage that is too high before t is connected to the battery. Once it's charging everything's fine but that first initial transient is enough to fry the voltage regulator in the MSD.
You could probably save the MSD by adding an external TVS diode from plus to minus. I'm on my phone right how so it's a little difficult for me to look one up and make a drawing but I'll try to remember when I get home.
Do you know what the MSD spec says for input voltage range?
I'm not sure if Radio Shack went out of business but they would probably have the part for less than a dollar.
1967 'cuda
Dropped on Head as a Baby
360DartGT66,
The charger that we used isn't turned on until after it's connected to the battery and we gave it a slow 2 amp charge rate.
I don't have any of the specs from MSD handy right now. Radio Shack is still alive & well. If you've got a solution to prevent future mishaps, - I'm all ears. - Just keep in mind you may be telling a blind man what the color blue looks like.
The charger that we used isn't turned on until after it's connected to the battery and we gave it a slow 2 amp charge rate.
I don't have any of the specs from MSD handy right now. Radio Shack is still alive & well. If you've got a solution to prevent future mishaps, - I'm all ears. - Just keep in mind you may be telling a blind man what the color blue looks like.
He he, ok, I'll try to keep it simple. 
1967 'cuda
Dropped on Head as a Baby
He he, ok, I'll try to keep it simple.
Thanks in advance. :salut:
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1967 'cuda
Dropped on Head as a Baby
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1967 'cuda
Dropped on Head as a Baby
Despite the uneventful trip last night I still looked forward to coming home to rest in my easy chair. The first things I saw when I opened the front door were a pair of Satan's spawn. Jeeeez! Teresa's grandkids are back and I'm out of Holy Water.
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