msd or not to msd that is the question

[pleasantcat]

currently running the thunderbolt 4 ignition on my larg inch bbc. pbroblem im chasing is my tach seems tu be jumping a bit at 4k rpms or better. gaffrig redid my tach and it was great for one fulout pass. also my trim button seems to frz my tach. im sure theres more to it than just ignition but if anyones had these probs let me know. plus whats the pros/cons to an msd in marine use.thnx

[Craig]

Pleasantcat, I've used full MSD systems on my last two boats. They've worked great. The motors fires up with very little cranking, it doesn't foul plugs at all on a long idle. Some folks have had a control box go out here and there though.
I guiess we're going to try to go to the lake again this Sunday, you and that Sleek boy going out???
Craig

[StressTest]

Thos eof you who have used MSD do you have any corrosion problems? My MSD units have rusting problems inside them.....Dont realy effect the performance of the units but it just upsets me that they are supposed to be marine units and this happens.....MSD says send it back and they will refurbish it for $50! Why should i pay for something that shouldnt be happening in the first place???
-Wally

[StressTest]

But i will also add that they are great units! Motors run top notch and start/idle great!!! http://free.***boat.net/ubb/biggrin.gif
-Wally

[gmocnik]

Originally posted by StressTest:
But i will also add that they are great units! Motors run top notch and start/idle great!!! http://free.***boat.net/ubb/biggrin.gif
-Wally
yep.. same observation..the "reluctor" inside the dist gets rusted quite easily..was told to just get out the wire brush and clean it up...doesn't quite seem right....
otherwise...great units..performance...

[pleasantcat]

thkx guys....hey where were you last two nights craig???? i went out wednesday by myself and again last night with a chik im seeing. i'm hoping to go out again sunday.this is my weekend with my daughter so,i may not ... i'll try to let you know...btw call the dealership so i can get your # ok lates...

[pleasantcat]

oh i forgot to mention.... when i was out these two nights...two maybe three boats on the water http://free.***boat.net/ubb/smile.gif but the new cast they put on me sucks d***! i cant use my trim very well http://free.***boat.net/ubb/frown.gif anyways call me or blower boy and get my numbers k cya

[hulshot]

I've been asking the same question i'm going to full MSD with a back up box just in case.

[pleasantcat]

i've got a full on msd ign. box,dist,coil i just don't know if i'll get any more ponies than i have...2 or 3 maybe 4 hundred http://free.***boat.net/ubb/wink.gif i've put a gear reduction starter and wow what a positive change. it starts like a stock small block now hehehe. if i can get another mph or so i'll do it otherwise i may save it for another toy????hey craig we ned to meet on the water... the confidence is building http://free.***boat.net/ubb/smile.gif

[Charley]

pleasantcat, I have not had the best luck with MSD...in fact MSD has been the reason for my only 2 failures on my Motor so far, once the ignition box the other a distributor gear....I hate losing a trip over stupid crap but it happend twice last year...oh well- just my .02

[Craig]

Bring it on Pleasant Boy http://free.***boat.net/ubb/biggrin.gif If I can ever hold gas in my boat I'll be out. We'll be tagging along tomorrow!
Craig
[This message has been edited by Craig (edited March 09, 2002).]

[HammerDown]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Looking for a new Ignition Box...MSD Digital-6 for $279.99 or a Crane Hi-6 ??? Got the new Jeg's Catalog today, with the Crane box there also including a free LX92 coil! for $189.99. Comments welcome.

[Craig]

Are either of those "marine approved"? If not I'd go with the MSD 6AM. Only reason is in the unfortunate instance of a boat fire, most insurance companies would deny the claim because you have unapproved equipment on board. It seems they look for any little reason to deny claims, regardless if it truely was the cause. Save some piece of mind for a hundred bucks. Just my opinion thouogh!
Craig

[HammerDown]

I cant say for sure but what I've read, some boaters still have condensation broblems with the marine units??? And they cant be serviced. I understand your thoughts about the Ins. companys, I cant get Insurance for my Daytona anyway.

[Craig]

Mine has the dreaded corrosion as well, but when I called MSD they said it won't cause a problem. I didn't do anyhting to it and it still runs fine.
Craig

[Richard Cranium]

Craig,
The rust inside the MSD will flake off and coat the inside of the cap causing cross-fire. I cured mine with liquid electrical tape. Paint the rusty pick up with it and forget about it!
Marv

[Craig]

Good idea,where did you get the liquid tape?

[MrHavasuCat]

I have had good luck with my MSD with one full season. One thing I will say as far as far as box failure goes, my engine builder mounted mine on the transom. I know some are mounted on the motor itself, and have heard that the vibration can cause box failures. my .02.

[Stroker]

When I installed my new MSD distributor, Tyler Crockett advised me to spray the inside of the cap and the distributor itself with a corrosion inhibitor. He recommended CRC brand Industrial SP-400. I had to special order it through my local hardware store. On the can, it says: Long term corrosion inhibitor protects all metals with a light amber, dry transparent film that seals out moisture and corrosive contaminants up to 2 years. Highly resistant to humidity and salt spray. My old distributor looked pretty nasty after only a year due to corrosion. The new one still looks like the day I sprayed this stuff on.