INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 9
M S D
• W W W . M S D P E R F O R M A N C E . C O M • ( 9 1 5 ) 8 5 7 - 5 2 0 0 • F A X ( 9 1 5 ) 8 5 7 - 3 3 4 4
WARNING:
Do not touch the coil terminals during
cranking or while the engine is running.
• Make sure that the battery is fully charged and
the connections are clean and tight. If you are not
running an alternator this is an imperative check.
If the battery voltage falls below 9 volts during a
race, the MSD output voltage will drop and the
current draw will increase.
• Is the engine running lean? Inspect the spark plugs
and complete fuel system.
• Inspect all wiring connections for corrosion
or damage. Remember to always use proper
connections followed by soldering and seal the
connections completely.
If everything checks positive, use the following
procedure to test the ignition for spark. MSD also
offers an Ignition Tester, PN 8998 or PN 8996. This
tool allows you to check your complete ignition
system while it is in the car as well as the operation
of rpm limits, activated switches and shift lights.
CHECKING FOR SPARK
If triggering the ignition with the White wire:
1. Make sure the ignition switch is in the “Off” position.
2. Remove the coil wire from the distributor cap and
set the terminal approximately 1/2" from ground.
3. Disconnect the MSD White trigger wire from the
distributor.
4. Turn the ignition to the On position. Do not crank the engine.
5. Tap the White wire to ground several times. Each time you pull the wire from ground, a spark should
jump from the coil wire to ground. If spark is present, the ignition is working properly. If there is no
spark skip to step 6.
If triggering with the Magnetic Pickup:
1. Make sure the ignition switch is in the “Off” position.
2. Remove the coil wire from the distributor cap and set the terminal approximately 1/2" from ground.
3. Disconnect the MSD magnetic pickup wires from the distributor.
4. Turn the ignition to the On position. Do not crank the engine.
5. With a small jumper wire, short the MSD’s Green and Violet magnetic pickup wires together several
times. Each time you break this short, a spark should jump from the coil wire to ground. If spark
is present, the ignition is working properly. If there is no spark skip to step 6.
6. If there is no spark:
A. Inspect all of the wiring.
B. Substitute another coil and repeat the test. If there is now spark, the coil is at fault.
C. If there is still no spark, check to make sure there are 12 volts on the small Red wire from the
MSD when the key is in the On position. If 12 volts are not present, find another switched 12
volt source and repeat the test.
D. If, after following the test procedures and inspecting all of the wiring, there is still no spark, the
MSD Ignition is in need of repair. See the Warranty and Service section for information.
The following wiring diagrams illustrate numerous installations on different vehicles and applications.
If you experience difficulties when installing your MSD, contact our Customer Support Department
at (915) 855-7123 (7 - 5 Mountain time) or e-mail us at: [email protected]
WHITE WIRE TRIGGER
Figure 10 Checking for Spark with the Mag Pickup.
Figure 9 Checking for Spark with the White Wire.
MAGNETIC PICKUP TRIGGER
WHITE
GROUND
DIGITAL 6AL
REV
LIMITER
GREEN
VIOLET
JUMPER
WIRE
DIGITAL 6AL
REV
LIMITER
