MSD help Options

[watsonrx13]

Well, I attempted to install the complete MSD ignition system that Andy sold me, but I didn't have any luck. The engine is a 2.0l with dual 40 IDF webers, with the Webcam 86a cam (for carbed engines).

Here's a list of the parts:

MSD box
Blaster coil
MSD distributor w/spark plug wires
adapter cable
MSD tach adapter
NGK B7ES spark plugs with the metal caps attached



Here's how I installed everything:

1. Andy had already attached the MSD box to an aluminum plate, which I attached to the battery, where the FI brain use to go.
2. Removed the blue coil and installed the MSD coil.
3. Replaced distributor with MSD distributor.
4. Attached the MSD tach adapter to the aluminum plate
5. Installed the new spark plugs and wires



Here's how I attached the wires:

1. Purple and Green wires from 'back side' of MSD box to the adapter cable, then this cable was attached to the MSD distributor.
2. Orange and Black wires from the 'front side' of MSD box to the MSD coil. Orange to + (positive) and Black to - (negative).
3. Red and Black wires from the 'front side' of the MSD box to the battery. Red to + (positive) and Black to - (negative).
4. Red and White wires from the 'front side' of the MSD box to the MSD coil. Red to + (positive) and White taped off and not used.
5. Black and Black/Purple wires from the wiring harness to the MSD coil. Black = (positive) and Black/Purple to - (negative).



Well I tried to start the car but there was no spark at the plugs. I checked the spark out of the coil, but there wasn't any there either.

I don't understand how to connect the MSD tach adapter and where the wires hook up.

After attempting to get the car started, and failing, I reinstalled the old blue coil, distributor, plugs and wires.

What did I do wrong and how can I check if I 'fried' any of the electronic systems?

Any suggestions, comments and pictures will certainly be accepted and appreciated.

-- Rob

[Trekkor]

I don't have my diagram in front of me, but I believe the original coil wires from the harness go to the MSD.
Then the black and white go to the coil alone.

You should only have two wires on the coil.

I'll hunt for the diagram.


KT

[Trekkor]

This will do it!


KT

[Porsche Rescue]

I have MSD manual which covers all sorts of distributors. The two diagrams below appear to be the only ones for an MSD distributor. The first one appears to be the only one with a purple (violet)/green harness. Let me know if these don't help and we can try some others.

Edit: Looks like Trekkor has the same book. Now you have 3 to choose from, but I see no purple wire in Trekkors. His is what I used on a six with Pertronix.

[Trekkor]

hold it!!

there is a page in the instructions for using an MSD dizzy.

One moment...

[Porsche Rescue]

After looking at your diagram, I think you want the black from harness (ignition) connected to the red to MSD box, rather than both connected at the coil. The purple/black wire is to your tach and connects to the tach output on the box, not to the coil. Only the orange and black from the box go to the coil.

[Trekkor]

you're fast...


KT

[watsonrx13]

Thanks for the info guys. I don't have the parts with me right now, but I'm going to the shop to pick them up, then I'll post more pictures and/or drawings to verify that I have everything ready to be hooked up tomorrow....

-- Rob

[watsonrx13]

OK, I'm back from the shop with some more pictures......

The tach adapter has red and white wires, with 2 wires each off of them.....



So which wire, red or white, does the black/purple (from the wiring harness) attach to? And do I tape the other wire up so that it isn't used?

-- Rob

[SirAndy]

The tach adapter has red and white wires, with 2 wires each off of them.....

the tach-adapter is *not* needed to run the engine. leave it out for now, detach and ignore ...

you want the basic setup to run before you try to make your tach work with it ...

simply follow the MSD installation instructions (without the tach adapter) and yopu should be good to go ...

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Andy

PS: i *thought* i had added the MSD instructions to the box. did i forget to send them?

[watsonrx13]

No Andy, I have the instructions, but there are WAY TOO MANY diagrams for me to understand. I got most of it together correctly, but I was having difficulty with the red wire coming out of the MSD box, grouped with the taped off white wire.

If I can get the final connection for the tach adapter answered, I'll connect that up after I successfully get the engine running....

-- Rob

[Porsche Rescue]

None of the diagrams above even show the tach wire. It is one wire, connected to a male spade terminal located on the box where it says "tach output" on the diagram.

[watsonrx13]

OK, I'll check the MSD box tomorrow.

Now, what is the small square red box between the distributor and the coil? I thought that was the tach adapter....

[Porsche Rescue]

Gotta leave that one to Andy, beyond my experience.

[watsonrx13]

Then obviously I won't need it for this installation.....

Thanks again for all of your help, I'll post tomorrow the successful results.... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[jim_hoyland]

The little red box is the tach adapter. See: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread....on&pagenumber=1

[jim_hoyland]

Pic>>

[Joe Bob]

A diode MAY be needed in the D+ circuit....1 out three in my experience....the engine may run on after the ignition is shut off....

[Joe Bob]

In the alternator to the alternator light in the dash....

[watsonrx13]

OK, here's the lastest and hopefully final wiring diagram:

1. Purple and Green wires from 'back side' of MSD box to the adapter cable, then this cable is attached to the MSD distributor.
2. Orange and Black wires from the 'front side' of MSD box to the MSD coil. Orange to + (positive) and Black to - (negative).
3. Red and Black wires from the 'front side' of the MSD box to the battery. Red to + (positive) and Black to - (negative).
4. Red and White wires from the 'front side' of the MSD box to the MSD coil. Red to + (positive) and White taped off and not used.
5. Black and White wires from the 'front side' of the MSD box to the MSD tach adapter. Black to 1 of the red wires and White to 1 of the white wires.
6. Black and Black/Purple wires from the wiring harness to the MSD tach adapter. Black connectes to 1 of the red wires coming from the tach adapter and Black/Purple connects to 1 of the white wires coming from the tach adapter.