Timing light and MSD issues
Thread Starter
trainwreck
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,725
Likes: 2
From: Lake, Michigan
Timing light and MSD issues
I previously had the msd ignition run through my ignitor on my 84 GSl-SE and the timing light worked fine. After my ignitor went bad i did the msd without the ignitor(used purple and green wires). Well i tried using my timing light to recheck timing and it wasnt flashign right at all. It would flash a couple times in a row, then nothing. Wen tto start my car today once it stopped rainign and it wont start. Somethign wrong with my MSD install or my timing light or any ideas at all?
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 325
Likes: 0
From: SC
straight off the msd website""
carl.
Timing Fluctuations
If your timing seems to be jumping all over the place, check the following items:
What kind of timing light are you using? Many lights have trouble reading the MSD's capacitive discharge multiple sparks. Dial back timing lights are not recommended. Try another non-adjustable light and check the timing again. MSD offers a Timing Light, PN 8990.
Make sure you are not using Solid Core wires.
Inspect the routing of the Magnetic Pickup Harness. It should be routed clear of the coil primary wires and plug wires. It is best to route it along a ground plain such as the firewall, frame or engine block to form a shield around it.
Check the polarity of the magnetic pickup wires of the distributor. Reverse the connectors and check the timing again. The correct polarity is whichever connection gives the most retarded timing.
On Chevrolet engines, if the timing is retarding 10 - 20 degrees inspect for cam-walk. This is especially prevalent on engines with a chrome or stock timing chain cover that is actually bowing forward allowing the cam to "walk".
If your timing seems to be jumping all over the place, check the following items:
What kind of timing light are you using? Many lights have trouble reading the MSD's capacitive discharge multiple sparks. Dial back timing lights are not recommended. Try another non-adjustable light and check the timing again. MSD offers a Timing Light, PN 8990.
Make sure you are not using Solid Core wires.
Inspect the routing of the Magnetic Pickup Harness. It should be routed clear of the coil primary wires and plug wires. It is best to route it along a ground plain such as the firewall, frame or engine block to form a shield around it.
Check the polarity of the magnetic pickup wires of the distributor. Reverse the connectors and check the timing again. The correct polarity is whichever connection gives the most retarded timing.
On Chevrolet engines, if the timing is retarding 10 - 20 degrees inspect for cam-walk. This is especially prevalent on engines with a chrome or stock timing chain cover that is actually bowing forward allowing the cam to "walk".
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