MSD Install Questions
 

I just completed a MSD Install with directions from FC3spro.com. GREAT DIRECTIONS. MANY THANKS TO RETED!!!


After I completed that install I noticed an immediate change in the exhaust tone. Cool....

I also noticed for the first couple of days (2-3) the fc would die right after startup, and idled kind of rough, until warmed up. I chalked that up to the ECU having to "Learn" that something was different, but I'm not to sure though. it seems to have worked itself out.

But my main issue seems to be that the low end torque is gone, or it requires a lot more throttle to get going, and seems to stay into boost for a longer period... any thoughts as to what is going on?

Hum, unplug it....from it's power source....see if the problem clears up. It could be just a coinidence.

James

sounds like the MSD is bad

if the box is in good working order, then that is NOT something that it will do. in fact on a good running car with the box installed you would probably notice very little difference in how it runs day to day. like icemark says the box may be fubar, if not then something else messed up at the same time.

It sounds like the MSD is not working anymore. :(
Can you confirm the leadings are sparking?

Did you buy the MSD new or used?


-Ted

MSD was brand new from summit racing. I'll have to check on the sparking in the morning.

Any other thoughts...

Just chesked the leading wires: NO SPARK.... damn... I guess the MSD is bad...Time to call summitt.

How could the msd have gone bad so fast. I put it in last sunday...

Do I have to worry about causing damage to the motor from driving it with only the trailing coils firing, I'm over 50 miles from home.

Well I disconnected the power to the MSD, and still no spark. THat leads me to believe that the Leading coil is fried, so I guess it's time to replace both the MSD and Coil, but I guess I'll start with the coil first thing in the morning. "Happy Fathers Day"

I'm still open to thoughts and suggestions and or solutions.


Called Summit and they are ok with either refund or replacement, just have to ship other unit back,

Did you for some reason remove the leading coil during your install?


The leading coil grounds thru it's bracket. Make sure there is contnuity between the bracket and some other bare metal in the engine bay.

Also, there are some tests you can perform to the coil in the FSM. http://www.iluvmyrx7.com/2nd_gen_manuals.htm

Replace the coil first...then see what happens...maybe the MSD is good but for some reason your coil shart.


James

The coil is grounded by the ECU, not by the body. Only the frame of the coil is grounded to the car body. The coil could be suspended in the air by bungie cords and still be fired by the ECU.

Icemark you are both right and wrong. The primary is fired by the ECU and the earth does return to the ECU but the High tension side requires the frame to be earthed otherwise the coil can short across to the ECU earth and BBQ it if there is a HR near your ECU. You really need the frame to be earthed to protect your ECU and ignitors (MSD?) If you have it suspended most likely it will arc over from the coil to the chassis as Mazda coils can jump up to 3 inches.

Regards
Michael Smith

Thanks for all of your input/suggestions they were/are appreciated....

Now for the hard part.....I found what was wrong...

I DID NOT RE-CONNECT THE CLIP AT THE TOP OF THE COIL.....DUH

I went out on Sunday morning, and was tracing all connections, when I saw that the white clip was not connected...Duh...

Update: Coils firing fine...MSD Working great......Idle great....Car back to being fun again... Me feeling mighty low....how could i forget the clip...

Thanks again forum members.

Hey, it happens to the best of us. Glad things are working again.

It could be worse. You could have, say, forgotten to put the drain plug in the oil pan after changing the oil on a concrete driveway (my uncle pulled that one a while ago). 5 quarts in, 5 quarts out.

Let this be a lesson: CHECK THE SIMPLE STUFF first. You'd be surprised how often it's at fault.

Also, if you have access to another person, let them look stuff over. Chances are, if you missed something silly, they'll see it right away.

-=Russ=-