Setting timing with a MSD box

[lightnin-boy]

This may very well be a dumb question.

Since I installed a MSD6BTM I have noticed that when using a timing light to try to set the base timing, the mark on the balancer appears in multiple places, such that the mark looks like a blur. I assume this is a result of the mutliple sparks the box delivers a low RPM. Anyone experience this?

Thanks,
Kirk

PS. The turbo 65 Mustang is back. I just finished putting it back together this weekend... 6 new pistons later. I'm installing a Carter super strip pump and a mallory boost refernenced regulator before I really get on the boost again.

 

[CobraSix]

I can't say I'm seeing it being too bad. I've seen it jump a few degrees, but really chalked that up to random timing changes due to minor RPM hiccups and such.

What kind of dizzy are you using?

 

[hasa68mustang]

This may very well be a dumb question.

Since I installed a MSD6BTM I have noticed that when using a timing light to try to set the base timing, the mark on the balancer appears in multiple places, such that the mark looks like a blur. I assume this is a result of the mutliple sparks the box delivers a low RPM. Anyone experience this?

Thanks,
Kirk

PS. The turbo 65 Mustang is back. I just finished putting it back together this weekend... 6 new pistons later. I'm installing a Carter super strip pump and a mallory boost refernenced regulator before I really get on the boost again.

I never really noticed the mark jumping on mine, glad to hear the stang is back! are you copying me? lol let us know how the fuel setp works for you, my tranny went before I got my return style regulator from mallory.

 

[lightnin-boy]

Slade,

Thanks for your question. It reminded me that I had been playing with the springs in the distributor right before my motor grenaded... I had installed the MarkP dizzy re-curve mod, but had mis-read which spring to change. I'll put the light on tomorrow and see if things are better.

Tommy,

Yep, I guess I am copying you... lets hope my tranny doesn't blow-up next. LOL. I've come to the conclusion that half-assing things doesn't pay. I'm going to try to get it done over the next week... It's getting cold here and the snow will be flying soon, so I may have to wait until next spring before I can report on how the fuel system works.

Kirk

 

[fordconvert]

I think the MSD directions or site talks about that. My older SunPro light seems to work fine but my newer SnapOn with the digital advance seems to pick up the extra sparks also. If I dont have my old one handy I just set it to the lowest flash because its the first one that counts. Be sure you are clamping the probe as far away from the distributor or any other wires as you can. My snap on will pick up every cylinder if I clamp it near the distributor or coil. The sun pro only catches the extra ones sometimes. Without the MSD box I can lay the probes on the top of the cap and not pick up any extra. Don't get near that thing with the key on, it bites hard!

 

[addo]

MSD's tech sheets discuss the timing light problem, and particularly advise against dialback lights.

Their "solution" is to buy an MSD timing light...

Surely there's a simple hack for the circuit? Even putting a diode or resistor in the way of the box-to-coil lead.

 

[ludwig]

Unplug the MSD until the timing is good, then re-attach? It's an add on with the Pertronix. Maybe it doesn't work that way with the direct hook up.

 

[FalconSedanDelivery]

Ran into this back in 1988 , my buddie spents big bucks on the newest Snap On digital only to find it wont work on a MSD ( or any multi spark setup ) My reg Snap On from 1979 works fine ( and its a dialback ) as does every other Ive tried as long as its actually a dial you turn and not a keypad style

 

[Does10s]

Haven't noticed that with our setup yet.
We've got the Craftsman (dial back) light and we're also running the MSD BTM.

Will

 

[lightnin-boy]

I'm embarrased to say that I had reversed the spring install of MarkP's DSII re-curve. I set things up properly the other night and put the light on it this morning and I still see multiple marks (4) but they are now consistent as the spring is holding the advance mechanism in place at idle. I set it a 6 degrees and the car runs smooth... at least until the boost starts to comes on, then it surges, kicks and bucks (it is a Mustang after all ) but I have yet to upgrade the fuel system.

I have an older timing light where you remove the No.1 plug wire and the light basically is hooked up in series with the plug wire... Maybe its time for a new one?

Kirk