OK so every thing looks right but no spark at the plugs. well it will spark once but then its done i tryed timming the box msd 6al-2 the coil will only fire (test light on the + will light when i first start to turn over but then no more i tryed a different dist, to no luck.
msd no fire need help
- Thread starter oktire
- Start date
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Checking The MSD Ignition For Spark
The following test will determine if your MSD is producing a spark.
troubleshootingchksprk.gif
White Wire Trigger:
If you are using the White wire (points or electronic amplifier) of the MSD to trigger the ignition, follow these steps.
Make sure the ignition switch is in the Off position.
Remove the coil wire from the distributor cap and position the terminal so it is approximately 1/2" from a good ground.
Disconnect the MSD White wire from the distributor points or the ignition amplifier.
Turn the ignition to the On position. DO NOT CRANK THE ENGINE.
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:
Inspect all of the wiring.
Substitute another coil and test again. If there is now spark, the coil is at fault.
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.
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.
Magnetic Pickup Trigger:
If you are using the 2-Pin Magnetic Pickup of the MSD to trigger the ignition, follow these steps.
Make sure the ignition switch is in the Off position.
Remove the coil wire from the distributor cap and position the terminal so it is approximately 1/2" from a good ground.
Disconnect the MSD Magnetic Pickup connector from the distributor.
Turn the ignition to the On position. DO NOT CRANK THE ENGINE.
With a small jumper wire, short the Green and Violet magnetic pickup wires together then pull the jumper off. Each time the short is removed a spark should jump If spark is present, the ignition is working properly.
If there is no spark:
Inspect all of the wiring.
Substitute another coil and test again. If there is now spark, the coil is at fault.
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.
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.
No 12v present at Coil +
One common question in regards to MSD Ignition controls is Why isnt 12V power on the orange (COIL +) wire?
The main reason 12V wont be present at coil + is because your MSD ignition is a Capacitive Discharge Ignition. Like all CD ignitions they use a large capacitor to discharge 420-480 Volts to coil + and coil will normally be connected to ground. (Thats why you wont see +12V on coil +)
Most all stock ignitions are Inductive Ignitions, these will normally be connected to the + 12V ignition switch to coil + and coil is connected to Points or the Factory Electronic Module. (Thats why youll see +12V on coil +)
The following test will determine if your MSD is producing a spark.
troubleshootingchksprk.gif
White Wire Trigger:
If you are using the White wire (points or electronic amplifier) of the MSD to trigger the ignition, follow these steps.
Make sure the ignition switch is in the Off position.
Remove the coil wire from the distributor cap and position the terminal so it is approximately 1/2" from a good ground.
Disconnect the MSD White wire from the distributor points or the ignition amplifier.
Turn the ignition to the On position. DO NOT CRANK THE ENGINE.
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:
Inspect all of the wiring.
Substitute another coil and test again. If there is now spark, the coil is at fault.
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.
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.
Magnetic Pickup Trigger:
If you are using the 2-Pin Magnetic Pickup of the MSD to trigger the ignition, follow these steps.
Make sure the ignition switch is in the Off position.
Remove the coil wire from the distributor cap and position the terminal so it is approximately 1/2" from a good ground.
Disconnect the MSD Magnetic Pickup connector from the distributor.
Turn the ignition to the On position. DO NOT CRANK THE ENGINE.
With a small jumper wire, short the Green and Violet magnetic pickup wires together then pull the jumper off. Each time the short is removed a spark should jump If spark is present, the ignition is working properly.
If there is no spark:
Inspect all of the wiring.
Substitute another coil and test again. If there is now spark, the coil is at fault.
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.
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.
No 12v present at Coil +
One common question in regards to MSD Ignition controls is Why isnt 12V power on the orange (COIL +) wire?
The main reason 12V wont be present at coil + is because your MSD ignition is a Capacitive Discharge Ignition. Like all CD ignitions they use a large capacitor to discharge 420-480 Volts to coil + and coil will normally be connected to ground. (Thats why you wont see +12V on coil +)
Most all stock ignitions are Inductive Ignitions, these will normally be connected to the + 12V ignition switch to coil + and coil is connected to Points or the Factory Electronic Module. (Thats why youll see +12V on coil +)
Magnetic Pickup Trigger:
If you are using the 2-Pin Magnetic Pickup of the MSD to trigger the ignition, follow these steps.
Make sure the ignition switch is in the Off position.
Remove the coil wire from the distributor cap and position the terminal so it is approximately 1/2" from a good ground.
Disconnect the MSD Magnetic Pickup connector from the distributor.
Turn the ignition to the On position. DO NOT CRANK THE ENGINE.
With a small jumper wire, short the Green and Violet magnetic pickup wires together then pull the jumper off. Each time the short is removed a spark should jump If spark is present, the ignition is working properly
i have spark on the coil wire every time i jump it
it's just not getting triggered by its self
If you are using the 2-Pin Magnetic Pickup of the MSD to trigger the ignition, follow these steps.
Make sure the ignition switch is in the Off position.
Remove the coil wire from the distributor cap and position the terminal so it is approximately 1/2" from a good ground.
Disconnect the MSD Magnetic Pickup connector from the distributor.
Turn the ignition to the On position. DO NOT CRANK THE ENGINE.
With a small jumper wire, short the Green and Violet magnetic pickup wires together then pull the jumper off. Each time the short is removed a spark should jump If spark is present, the ignition is working properly
i have spark on the coil wire every time i jump it
it's just not getting triggered by its self
JoeDust451
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2005
- Messages
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Make sure the palarity isn't crossed on the dissy.
momoparman
MOISMYHOME
Could be your box.
Does your red light come on and stay on when you turn the key to run?MSD say's it will turn off and on but I had and still have not ever seen the light go out unless the box is bad.
If not then there is a cheap as transistor in your box that is shot. If it is fairly new MSD will repair it for you and may not charge you.
If you just put it in you may have wired it incorrectly so that it wont throw spark when you crank but will when you release the key.
I had my MSD box go bad in less than 1500 miles......try the spark test as described above that will tell you the story.
Good luck.
Mop
Does your red light come on and stay on when you turn the key to run?MSD say's it will turn off and on but I had and still have not ever seen the light go out unless the box is bad.
If not then there is a cheap as transistor in your box that is shot. If it is fairly new MSD will repair it for you and may not charge you.
If you just put it in you may have wired it incorrectly so that it wont throw spark when you crank but will when you release the key.
I had my MSD box go bad in less than 1500 miles......try the spark test as described above that will tell you the story.
Good luck.
Mop
RangerRick
Well-Known Member
what was the final cause? I had a similar problem with my motor, 318 MSD 6T and coil, I replaced the dizzy with a new one re-curved and set up by reputable dealer, car would spark once then nothing, tracked it down to the pickup inside the dizzy, the gap was was like .022 instead of .008. re=adjusted that and it started right up.
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