<VV> Sparking Questions

Wed, 5 Jan 2005 13:17:56 -0800

Eric,
Thanks for the info on the MSD.  I think I can help with the "it won't quit"
problem.  A couple of years ago I updated my Corsa with a later model
alternator for more oomph in the charging department.  It was the one with a
two wire plug on the back.  One senses the 12V., and the other lights the
idiot light.  I needed a diode in the line to the light.  I got a cheep
Radio Shack diode, I think it was 50V @ 5 Amps.  More than enough capacity.
The idiot light was able to pass enough current to keep the ignition "on
line".  I suspect the same problem here.  The MSD gets the bulk of its power
from the heavy 12V. connection.  I'd bet that when the sun, moon and stars
line up just right, that the idiot light will pass enough to keep the MSD
lit.  Try a diode in the line to the lamp.  Install in series, you can get
the correct polarity by turning on the ignition and checking for the lamp.
It'll work with one polarity and not with the other. You want the one that
works.  The function is to block the reverse path so that the ignition is
not powered through the lamp.
Jim

-----Original Message-----
From: Eric S. Eberhard [mailto:flash@vicspdi.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2005 8:47 AM
To: Jim Bannister; virtualvairs@corvair.org
Subject: Re: <VV> Sparking Questions

I have Pertronix II and Flamethrower II coil and MSD 6a on my Spyder and 
Judson cars.  I found several things:
         1) Starts better and runs better cold
         2) Allows be to run richer without fouling plugs

After the install I noticed number 1 right away and no other benefit.  Both 
cars I had always run a little rich (to keep things cool) and they always 
fouled plugs fairly rapidly.  I was able to increase the jet sizes with the 
MSD in place -- and with the extra fuel I could advance the timing a bit (2 
degrees on Spyder and 6(!) on the Judson car) without knocking ....

What I am trying to say is that just installing it will only do #1, #2 can 
be achieved with fiddling.

It is easy to install -- instructions have a section for the 
Pertronix!  The tach worked fine the first time but it is not obvious from 
the instructions where the wire goes.  It does NOT go on the coil ... it 
goes to the MSD wire where the other coil wire goes.

I installed mine using the same leads as usually go on the coil (round 
hole) and used screws to make the connections.  Why?  Because if the MSD 
ever fails I remove two screws and put the Petronix wires back on the coil 
and voila, I am ready to go w/out the MSD.  I installed mine in the driver 
side fender:

http://www.vicspdi.com/ourpics/Green/target28.html

Both cars have one "bug" from the MSD -- every once in a blue moon the car 
will not turn off.  I turn the ignition off and it keeps on running.  I 
have read about this problem on all sorts of cars with MSD.  Usually I just 
stall the car to kill it.  I have experimented ... if I just drive it then 
try again it also goes off.  The charge light comes on indicating it is 
running from battery.  Anyone with a clue as to what this is and how to 
fix?  It is not important enough to be a big issue, it has happened 3 times 
in a year (1 on Spyder, 2 on Sedan) and I drive the Sedan almost daily.

At 02:52 AM 1/5/2005, Jim Bannister wrote:
>Hi All,
>
>A MSD 6A ignition system just fell into my possession.  I know that many of
>you have used them, but as I didn't anticipate getting one at the time, I
>didn't pay attention.  Currently, I've got a Pertronix 1 unit with
>flamethrower coil.  All is happy under the hood.  It fires my '66 turbo
>motor without a burble.  Is anything to be gained by installing the MSD?
>Secondly, were are  any problems to anticipate getting the tach to function
>with this setup?
>
>An inquiring mind wants to know.
>
>Jim B.
>
>'66 turbovert
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Eric S. Eberhard
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