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MSD didnt help me

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Coldandafraid

20+ Year Contributor
1,147
3
Mar 1, 2003
Edmonton,
Well, I installed MSD ignition hoping for the best, and I got the worst. Ok, actually, I just got a little worse. It still runs/idles/drives/accelerates the same. Accept, every once in a while, randomly (it seems) the car will stutter as if I let off the throttle (like no spark at all) and then go again like normal. Will happen about once or twice a minute under any kind of throttle. Doesnt matter if im cruising, or accelerating, or idling. Goes back to normal if I install the bypass plug. Definitally something to do with the MSD... but my wiring is flawless. I emailed MSDtech, but no responce yet... Anyone have any ideas?
 
Coldandafraid said:
Well, I installed MSD ignition hoping for the best, and I got the worst. Ok, actually, I just got a little worse. It still runs/idles/drives/accelerates the same. Accept, every once in a while, randomly (it seems) the car will stutter as if I let off the throttle (like no spark at all) and then go again like normal. Will happen about once or twice a minute under any kind of throttle. Doesnt matter if im cruising, or accelerating, or idling. Goes back to normal if I install the bypass plug. Definitally something to do with the MSD... but my wiring is flawless. I emailed MSDtech, but no responce yet... Anyone have any ideas?

Typically if you're running a stock engine without alot of fuel mods and/or head work you probably wasted your money. In my opinion it would serve a good purpose if you had over 300hp, were spraying or had a need to modify your timing on the fly.

That's just my thoughts..
 
I had similar problems. I found out, in my case, I didn't have a good ground connection. Make sure you have the main ground and positive wire hooked to the battery. Make sure you have good clean terminal connections at the battery and that your battery is carrying a full charge. MSD draws alot from the battery.

Where do you have your MSD box mounted. I have mine in the glove box.
 
Your power transistor is on its way out. Replace it. I have been through this situation 3 times. Eventually it wont come out of the "firing on a couple of cylinders mode" and you will have to drive it home like that.
 
all connections soldered, and as far as I know, perfect.

I think I need to find someone local who has as MSD ignition as well, and try out his MSD to rule out whether o rnot its the actual MSD control box thats the problem.
 
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