MSD and timing question

7423 · 01-26-2009, 12:28 AM

Installed a MSD 6AL and a 2 step in my very stock 1994 Mustang 5.0. Checked initial and total timing before the install. I now have 10 degress more initial and 10 degress more total after the install and never touched the distributor. I have always used a "dial type" timing light. After checking the MSD tech forum, I have read that MSD says not to use that type of light. They suggest a plain jane, no frills light and using an alternate power supply. If my light is the culprit, why does it work properly with a 6AL? I have owned this light for many years and have never had such a problem with it.
Charlie Allen

buzzinhalfdozen · 01-26-2009, 10:06 AM

Well I'm certainly no expert on this subject however it could be something as simple as the MSD is triggering on a different part of the signal or (pulse). Some systems trigger on the rising pulse and some trigger on the falling pulse. The fact that you gained 10 deg. across the board would tell me that the MSD is just triggering at a different point of the ignition pulse. just my opinion Joe

63corvette · 01-26-2009, 10:57 AM

I know for a fact there is a 10 degree difference between the 6AL and the 7AL boxes.
When having a problem with the ignition on my car which had a 7AL I borrowed a 6AL from a friend and when checking the timing it was exactly 10 degrees different from the start.
It has been a couple of years ago so I do not remember which way the 10 degrees was fast or slow but I do remember it was exactly the 10 degree difference.
Don't know if that helps but good luck with the fix.
My 2 Cents

John Mason · 01-26-2009, 12:18 PM

There is a 10 degree difference using the 7 series boxes. The fix for this is cleverly hidden in the instructions, where it says "timing must be reset after installation".

partsbob67 · 01-26-2009, 12:45 PM

damn 2 steps any way. you don't need that crap charlie, just something else to break!!!!!!!!!!! how's that hot rod running anyway? hope to see you in a couple of months in fontana.

7423 · 01-27-2009, 09:14 PM

Working on it Bob, lots of hours. Running brackets and developing a relationship with my new horse. Hopefully I will be ready by Fontana.

partsbob67 · 01-29-2009, 11:56 AM

go man go.

Floyd Staggs · 01-29-2009, 04:25 PM

I'm using a dial light and mine bounces around.

01-26-2009, 12:28 AM	#1
7423 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 639 Likes: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	MSD and timing question Installed a MSD 6AL and a 2 step in my very stock 1994 Mustang 5.0. Checked initial and total timing before the install. I now have 10 degress more initial and 10 degress more total after the install and never touched the distributor. I have always used a "dial type" timing light. After checking the MSD tech forum, I have read that MSD says not to use that type of light. They suggest a plain jane, no frills light and using an alternate power supply. If my light is the culprit, why does it work properly with a 6AL? I have owned this light for many years and have never had such a problem with it. Charlie Allen

01-26-2009, 10:06 AM	#2
buzzinhalfdozen Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bellevue Ohio Posts: 984 Likes: 0 Liked 11 Times in 8 Posts	Re: MSD and timing question Well I'm certainly no expert on this subject however it could be something as simple as the MSD is triggering on a different part of the signal or (pulse). Some systems trigger on the rising pulse and some trigger on the falling pulse. The fact that you gained 10 deg. across the board would tell me that the MSD is just triggering at a different point of the ignition pulse. just my opinion Joe __________________ Joe Buchanan SS/BX 3117

01-26-2009, 10:57 AM	#3
63corvette Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Canyon, Tx Posts: 551 Likes: 127 Liked 353 Times in 102 Posts	Re: MSD and timing question I know for a fact there is a 10 degree difference between the 6AL and the 7AL boxes. When having a problem with the ignition on my car which had a 7AL I borrowed a 6AL from a friend and when checking the timing it was exactly 10 degrees different from the start. It has been a couple of years ago so I do not remember which way the 10 degrees was fast or slow but I do remember it was exactly the 10 degree difference. Don't know if that helps but good luck with the fix. My 2 Cents

01-26-2009, 12:18 PM	#4
John Mason Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 147 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: MSD and timing question There is a 10 degree difference using the 7 series boxes. The fix for this is cleverly hidden in the instructions, where it says "timing must be reset after installation". __________________ John Mason 7743 SS

01-26-2009, 12:45 PM	#5
partsbob67 Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: rohnert park,ca Posts: 414 Likes: 11 Liked 78 Times in 11 Posts	Re: MSD and timing question damn 2 steps any way. you don't need that crap charlie, just something else to break!!!!!!!!!!! how's that hot rod running anyway? hope to see you in a couple of months in fontana. __________________ bob beals 7244

01-27-2009, 09:14 PM	#6
7423 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 639 Likes: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: MSD and timing question Working on it Bob, lots of hours. Running brackets and developing a relationship with my new horse. Hopefully I will be ready by Fontana.

01-29-2009, 11:56 AM	#7
partsbob67 Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: rohnert park,ca Posts: 414 Likes: 11 Liked 78 Times in 11 Posts	Re: MSD and timing question go man go. __________________ bob beals 7244

01-29-2009, 04:25 PM	#8
Floyd Staggs VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Cucamonga, CA Posts: 1,521 Likes: 138 Liked 223 Times in 98 Posts	Re: MSD and timing question I'm using a dial light and mine bounces around. __________________ Floyd Staggs 787 SST