Duraspark wired; not starting

[jalberg]

Dear Friends and Mentors,
I believe that I have the Duraspark system correctly installed and wired with a MSD Ignition module. Again, I think I have all the connections well soldered.
The engine turns but does not fire at all. What are the steps I take to troubleshoot. Don't be afraid to be what you might consider insultingly specific about steps to take - I don't really know how to even test a wire. (I did put the tester on the battery and got it to light it up. I was very proud.)
Another point. I bought the MSD module from ebay and, while it was sold to me as working, I have no way of verifyng that.
Thank you for your help.
Jay

 

[CoupeBoy]

with your test light have you been able to verify that the module has a good ground and power supply? What did you use for a power supply on the module? Could you wire the module directly to the battery (maybe put a fuse inbetween the batt and module). Another thing to check that requires a volt meter (mine cost $4.99 from Harbor Freight) is the voltage that you have going into the module.

If you could make us a wiring diagram (paint works fine for this) of what you did, or take some pictures that would be great. If you do not know how to post pictures you can email them to me and I'll host em (ronbeyer67@hotmail.com). Did you install the distributor at the same time? Could you have the timing off? Maybe everything is working fine but firing at the wrong time? Parts stores sell some small devices for checking spark at the plug, it has a top like a spark plug and a clip to hook it onto a good ground, then there is either a glass body on it that you can watch for spark in, or at the bottom just like a spark plug you can watch for spark. Do you know anybody else you could invite over to take a look at it (hopefully mechanically inclined), a second set of eyes with a fresh perspective could be very helpful in a situation like this.

To test the positive connections, put the clip on the negative terminal of the battery or a good ground like the block, and then shove the probe into the soldered connection. To test the ground on the unit you have to connect the test light clip to the positive terminal and then use the proble to get into the connection, or the ground wire. If the light turns on, then you are good to go, if not start double checking your wires.

-ron

 

[MustangSix]

Ensure that: 1. the heavy red wire is hooked to a 12v constant hot; 2. the thin red wire is hooked to 12v switched; 3. you have a good ground connection to the black wire.

Turn everything on. Now, using a paper clip, short the connector to the purple/green wires. Each time you remove the clip, you should get a spark. This shows you the magnetic distributor is working, which you should be using.

Then, short the white wire to ground. Again, you should get a spark. You aren't using this wire, but it will confirm if the box is working or not.

If you get a spark from both of these tests, you have a bad distributor pickup. If you get no spark, you have: 1. no voltage to the MSD; 2. bad power or ground connections; 3. bad coil or coil connections; 4. bad MSD box.

MSD's troubleshooting instructions are here.

 

[kirkallen143]

Once I forgot to put the rotor back inside the dizzy cap.

Kirk

 

[MustangSix]

Once I forgot to put the rotor back inside the dizzy cap.

Kirk

Only once? I once spent a couple of hours troubleshooting an ignition only to find the rotor in my pocket!

 

[CoupeBoy]

numerous times I have put in the distributor in 180 degrees off. I after the first few times, Dad quit helping me and told me to figure it out myself, I havent done that in many moons, I should find an engine to rebuild.

-ron

 

[jalberg]

Dear Friends,
Just a short note explaining why I given any further details to my progress or lack thereof. Last night I set to work and in trying to loosen the number one sparkplug, I put too much pressure. When it broke free my hand slammed against the newly installed fan shroud, putting a pretty ghastly cut in my hand. A trip to the emergency room, stitches, etc.
My wife is not real big on me continuing trying to do it myself, and this has filled me with doubts also. I just don't seem very good at this.
Thank you again for your help and kind suggestions.
Jay

 

[addo]

Ouch! Don't overdo it while the cut starts to heal.

Got any competent friends who can help out? What about any FordSix people in striking distance?

You're so close - it can only be a minor detail now.