MSD, Timing Computers, and 16 Volts

mginnett · 08-06-2012, 05:23 PM

Anchorage Alaska here, have a 66 Chevy II Super Gas style car with 16V, 7AL2 Plus, Crank Trigger and timing computer. Car was running fine, and then suddenly starting running like a bunch of timing had been pulled out.

Will start diagnostic today. Just wondering if anyone had run into this before, possibly the timing computer going bad?
Thank you for your time.

Michael Ginnett IHRA 6X66

Charlie Yannetti · 08-08-2012, 10:03 AM

Hi Mike.. I went from a 7-AL2 to a 7-AL2 Plus last season.. I couldn't get the car to start as all off a sudden the timing would advance to the point that the starter couldn't crank the motor.. I took the Plus box out and put the old 7-AL2 back in and the problem was solved..

The 7-AL2 PLUS was supposed to retard timing during starting, but instead was advancing it.. but of course, MSD said the box was fine..

SC321X · 08-08-2012, 11:31 AM

I had problems with my 7AL2 If you don't have all the 0 retard chips plugged in the advance is wacky. Also mine had 25 deg start retard. My motor DID NOT like 25 degree retard for starting. I sent it back and had MSD change the start retard to 10 deg. I starts like a different car. (LIKE IT SHOULD) you should first check to make sure all the chips are in place. Then check connections after that you are on your own. GOOD LUCK

08-06-2012, 05:23 PM	#1
mginnett Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 8 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	MSD, Timing Computers, and 16 Volts Anchorage Alaska here, have a 66 Chevy II Super Gas style car with 16V, 7AL2 Plus, Crank Trigger and timing computer. Car was running fine, and then suddenly starting running like a bunch of timing had been pulled out. Will start diagnostic today. Just wondering if anyone had run into this before, possibly the timing computer going bad? Thank you for your time. Michael Ginnett IHRA 6X66

08-08-2012, 10:03 AM	#2
Charlie Yannetti Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alpine, NJ Posts: 560 Likes: 181 Liked 183 Times in 79 Posts	Re: MSD, Timing Computers, and 16 Volts Hi Mike.. I went from a 7-AL2 to a 7-AL2 Plus last season.. I couldn't get the car to start as all off a sudden the timing would advance to the point that the starter couldn't crank the motor.. I took the Plus box out and put the old 7-AL2 back in and the problem was solved.. The 7-AL2 PLUS was supposed to retard timing during starting, but instead was advancing it.. but of course, MSD said the box was fine..

08-08-2012, 11:31 AM	#3
SC321X Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 55 Likes: 0 Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: MSD, Timing Computers, and 16 Volts I had problems with my 7AL2 If you don't have all the 0 retard chips plugged in the advance is wacky. Also mine had 25 deg start retard. My motor DID NOT like 25 degree retard for starting. I sent it back and had MSD change the start retard to 10 deg. I starts like a different car. (LIKE IT SHOULD) you should first check to make sure all the chips are in place. Then check connections after that you are on your own. GOOD LUCK