Issues with MSD box and timing light

[86T-Top]

I have a MSD 6A box in my car with a rebuilt 1985 Ford duraspark distributor and new MSD coil. When I try to use my timing light i run into an issue where I have a very erratic output from the timing light. Depending on where I have my timing set the timing gun will have an output or it will not. My timinig light is fine, I tested it on my other cars and it worked fine.

I had read somewhere that MSD boxes don't work well with some timing lights. Is this true? If so what guns are compatable with the MSD boxes?

Thanks,

Mario

 

[fvike]

You need a gun that is multi-spark compatible. Here's a selection from Summit Racing: http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch.asp?N=700+4294853113+115+4294751275

 

[65 fastback]

That would make sense, because the MSD is Multiple Spark Discharge. A standard ignitions sends one electrical pulse (for one spark) per cylinder cycle. An MSD ignition will send 3-4 pulses per cylinder, thus the erratic timing light output.

fvike has your solution.

Tim

 

[Hipogt]

Had a MSD 6A on a stock hi-po dual point. Did not need a different timing light. Don't remember, but I may have been "jumping out" the MSD to set the timing. This was easy with 2 short jumper leads provided w/ the 6A. Not familiar w/ the dura-spark setup so I'm not sure if this is an option. I would check w/MSD first.

Rob

 

[ron67fb]

You need a gun that is multi-spark compatible. Here's a selection from Summit Racing: http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch.asp?N=700+4294853113+115+4294751275

I 've had the Actron one on that page for many years. Not a bad light - nice and bright, seems durable after dropping it many times, although it's a bit heavy. Everything else was out of stock at the time, hence my choice.

 

[65fastbackresto]

I bought a Craftsman timing light at Sears

The light works great and I have a MSD 6AL and MSD dist with Blaster coil. It was $50 and it was the cheapest one they had.

 

[BullittStangV8]

Can you post the craftman timing light part number? they offer a couple different ones if im not mistaken.

 

[65fastbackresto]

Craftsman Timing Light, Inductive

Craftsman Timing Light, Inductive
Sears item# 00921027000 Mfr. model# 21027

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...ame=Automotive&keyword=inductive+timing+light

It works real good with my box. I had my timing at 13 to 14 degrees base in just couple minutes.