MSD crank trigger problems

[Mike V]

I freshened my SBC over the winter and now I am have a problem with my ignition system.I use a MSD crank trigger with a 6AL box and a crank trigger distributor.Before the rebuild I could only run about 34 degrees of timing, because it was hard to start.Now it fires up now matter how much timing.I have set it from 32 to 49 degrees and starts up with no problem.I changed the pickup,cable to the box,new coil, and tried 2 different ignition boxes and nothing changes.The car is also about a half second slower, but still consistent.Anyone have any idea what else to try? Thanks

[Bob Gullett]

Distributor phased properly?

[Alan Roehrich]

Are you absolutely certain that nothing is wrong with your harmonic balancer, and your timing pointer? Are you sure that what you have for TDC there is actually true TDC for the engine? Have you checked that since the engine was first started?

[Mike V]

I found the distributor phasing was off, so I adjusted it.Still starts very easy @ 40 degrees.I also set #1 at TDC and the balancer was at TDC. May pull out this system and try an old electronic distributor just to see what happens.

[Mike Pearson]

Have you put leak down check on the engine or a compression test. Sounds like you could have a ring seal issue after the freshen up. Low compression would allow the engine to crank over easier. I had a similar issue after a freshen up and the compression was so low the engine would not start after one pass.

[Mike V]

Compression ranges from 170 -180,have not done a leak down test. Borrowing an HEI distributor and going to try that.

[randy wilson]

Originally Posted by Mike V

Compression ranges from 170 -180,have not done a leak down test. Borrowing an HEI distributor and going to try that.

Try a new pickup unless you already have.