1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

MSD Install, now tach doesn't like me

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Old 05-14-09, 06:33 PM
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MSD Install, now tach doesn't like me

So got the MSD installed. Everything is peachy, but the battery keeps dying on me, have a drain somewhere. I believe it is the terminal, as if I move it around it will go back up to 12 volts.

Anyways, here is the dilemma. Tach stays around 2k. It is an interference issue, as it doesn't hang around 2k, it bounces. Sometimes it will read idle, but mostly stays around 2. Once I get on the gas and moving, it shows the correct RPMs.

Also, this may also be terminal related, but my blinkers will blink super fast like a bulb is blown and the stop light on the dash will light up when I push the brakes. It is very dim though...


Maybe I am just paranoid. Anyways, I need to change the positive terminal and most of this should go away. Will the tach do the same?

MSD6A
2nd gen coil

Stock trailing
Old 05-15-09, 01:20 AM
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Hopefully, replace the ground as well. Do it all at once to eliminate the posibilities.
Old 05-15-09, 02:02 AM
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this happened to me last week minus the tach issues. my alt was only putting out 9.5 volts, and my terminals were junk. replaced both alt and terminals, now all is well
Old 05-15-09, 06:02 AM
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you need to buy a tach adapter for it to work.
Old 05-15-09, 09:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Jeezus
So got the MSD installed. Everything is peachy, but the battery keeps dying on me, have a drain somewhere. I believe it is the terminal, as if I move it around it will go back up to 12 volts.

Anyways, here is the dilemma. Tach stays around 2k. It is an interference issue, as it doesn't hang around 2k, it bounces. Sometimes it will read idle, but mostly stays around 2. Once I get on the gas and moving, it shows the correct RPMs.

Also, this may also be terminal related, but my blinkers will blink super fast like a bulb is blown and the stop light on the dash will light up when I push the brakes. It is very dim though...


Maybe I am just paranoid. Anyways, I need to change the positive terminal and most of this should go away. Will the tach do the same?

MSD6A
2nd gen coil

Stock trailing
Stu, did you run the tach wire from the spade terminal on the MSD or from the coil?
Old 05-15-09, 10:02 AM
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Originally Posted by jr515
you need to buy a tach adapter for it to work.
NO he does not need a tach adapter
Old 05-15-09, 10:05 AM
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use the factory tach lead (its yellow/green stripe) run it to the single terminal on the side of the msd box for a clean tach signal..
also check your chassis grounds with an ohm meter make sure the resistance isnt high..
Old 05-16-09, 09:19 AM
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Originally Posted by bwaits
Stu, did you run the tach wire from the spade terminal on the MSD or from the coil?
From the coil.


Turns out it was the positive terminal. I put a shim in it and it works perfectly. Going out to get another terminal today.


Originally Posted by 680RWHP12A
use the factory tach lead (its yellow/green stripe) run it to the single terminal on the side of the msd box for a clean tach signal...
Thats a good idea, never thought of that. Might have to do it.
Old 05-16-09, 10:59 AM
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If your still running the trailing pretty much stock, you don't need to modify the stock tach input. I told you when I can up last that those battery terminals were junk.
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