gr8vet
Well-known member
Hey guys, thought I would share my findings on the MSD 85 series in the rebuilt 1982.
Started having issues after rebuilt engine goes in.
1. Erratic idle, over heating, low performance on top end, found vacuum leak going to headlights, and a bad fuel pressure gauge was causing suspicion to fuel pump.
2. Idle got better but still had a stumble. Engine no longer getting super hot, now I was able to obtain correct timing. Top end performance still bad, much stumble at WOT. Swapped out a borrowed carb, things got worse. Now engine will shut down after running at operating temps after maybe 15 minute drive. Had to keep foot into pedal to keep it going.
3. Did alot of reading and had an idea now it may be the MSD dist. Replaced the dist., went back to old carb, went back to old plug wires, it appears so far everything is good, even after hard running and getting very hot.
I did find that the #1 and #3 plugs had alot of carbon on them. The other plugs had a nice brown color. I checked all the plug wires and they showed good.
Question: Is it possible for the MSD to have spark issues on the #1 and #3 plugs only? Stumble as previously stated.
Obviously the MSD module after getting hot was going goofy. I think.
No stumble now, running great. Just wanted to share not to overlook the obvious. Vacuum, wires, HEI setup.
tt
Started having issues after rebuilt engine goes in.
1. Erratic idle, over heating, low performance on top end, found vacuum leak going to headlights, and a bad fuel pressure gauge was causing suspicion to fuel pump.
2. Idle got better but still had a stumble. Engine no longer getting super hot, now I was able to obtain correct timing. Top end performance still bad, much stumble at WOT. Swapped out a borrowed carb, things got worse. Now engine will shut down after running at operating temps after maybe 15 minute drive. Had to keep foot into pedal to keep it going.
3. Did alot of reading and had an idea now it may be the MSD dist. Replaced the dist., went back to old carb, went back to old plug wires, it appears so far everything is good, even after hard running and getting very hot.
I did find that the #1 and #3 plugs had alot of carbon on them. The other plugs had a nice brown color. I checked all the plug wires and they showed good.
Question: Is it possible for the MSD to have spark issues on the #1 and #3 plugs only? Stumble as previously stated.
Obviously the MSD module after getting hot was going goofy. I think.
No stumble now, running great. Just wanted to share not to overlook the obvious. Vacuum, wires, HEI setup.
tt