Rethinking MSD box

[robjen1019]

I am working on upgrading my ignition on my 1966 mercruiser 110. Last year I put in a blaster 2 coil and MSD 6A box. This year I am putting in a Pertronix ignitor 2 ignition kit. Ive been reading that the new ignitor 2 has pretty good reputation for good spark when paired with a good coil. I was wondering if I should keep the msd 6a with the new ignition, or just put in the Pertronix ignitor 2 and blaster 2 coil.

The motor is stock, only modifications I have made are to to the ignition system as stated above.

I would apreciate any opinions that anyone has on the subject.

Thanks

rob

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Rethinking MSD box

I run both the pertronix 2 and the MSD 6a. They are really two different things. The msd provides multiple firing across the cylinder firing. I'd stick with it. Did you have any problem with your tach when you installed the MSD?

 

[robjen1019]

Re: Rethinking MSD box

right now, tach is working. But currently I only have the msd+blaster 2 installed with original points ignition.
Not sure what is going to happen when I add the electonic ignition. being the boat is so old, Im thinking about rewiring the complete ignition system from the key back. I enheritied the boat from my father in law. It only has about 300 hours, so its in really good shape.

If I remember right, I can hook the tack wire to the output on the msd if the tach doen't work.

Did you have any problems?

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Rethinking MSD box

If I remember right, I can hook the tack wire to the output on the msd if the tach doen't work.

Did you have any problems?

Yeah, I had problems on my '75, but the tach was not the OEM unit. I would have to go dig to find my wiring solution (msd + pertronix) and even then it is erradic. My replacement tach, long before the ignition upgrades, always PO'D me because it always showed 2k rpm when the engine was off. The OEM tach never did that.

I think I ended up with an MSD tach adaptor. The tach port did not work. Inspite of it all, the MSD is highly regarded for it's smart spark.

 

[robjen1019]

Re: Rethinking MSD box

Update,
I put the ignition in and hooked it directly to the coil. I had to reset the timeing, it was 15 degrees off. Ran really smooth. This was with a stock coil I have a flamethrower 2 coming in next week so it should get better.

I also removed the balast resistor so it was running on 12 volt.

After playing with it for a while, I got it purring like a kitten. So it was time to add in the Msd 6a.

The only difference I could really tell was that it revved up faster. I havent had it in the water yet, but I wired it so I can change from msd to ignitor II quickly.

As for the tach, I didn't have any problems at all.

What I did notice about this was it idles so much smother with the ignitor II ignition. I realize my points were probably due for replacement, but man now I won't have to mess with them ever again.

 

[Don S]

Re: Rethinking MSD box

I also removed the balast resistor so it was running on 12 volt.

After playing with it for a while, I got it purring like a kitten. So it was time to add in the Msd 6a.

The only difference I could really tell was that it revved up faster. I havent had it in the water yet, but I wired it so I can change from msd to ignitor II quickly.

I can see some BIG TIME problems on the horizon in this thread.
Major..... Big Time problems.......

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Rethinking MSD box

Care to elaborate Don?

 

[robjen1019]

Re: Rethinking MSD box

So whats wrong with the setup.

I first I followed the directions on the The Ignitor II install page. They stated in the instructions that if setup is used with their flamethrower II to remove the ballast resistor. The Ignitor II has a self adjusting dwell unlike the original Ignitor.

As for the MSD 6A box. I followed the directions on The Ignitor II site FAQ for installing the box.

before all of this, I put in a new set of ac delco plugs, accell 8.8 spiral wires and coil wire. Ran a dedicated 4 gauge pos+ wire from the battery and put in a 100 amp alternator.

So whats wrong??? with this setup.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Rethinking MSD box

Yeah, Don, I too would like to know what problem(s) you see. pretty please enlighten the masses.

 

[RCSConstruction]

Re: Rethinking MSD box

Are you guys running the standard 6a? No water probs? No vibration probs? Sure would save me a lil $$$
I was looking at the marine version.
Thanks

 

[robjen1019]

Re: Rethinking MSD box

Yes, it is a standard 6a, but I don't plan on using it for very long. I had one sitting around and decieded to try it and see if it made a difference before I invested in a marine unit.

Other note, I went out one the water today and made some runs on the river with the msd box connected and without. My conclusion was that there was not a noticeable difference with or without. Which I guess makes sense. Over 3000 rpms, the msd only gives one spark, so running full throttle the results should be simmular.

Once I get my flamethrower II next week, Ill go out for another run.

 

[Buttanic]

Re: Rethinking MSD box

Yes, it is a standard 6a, but I don't plan on using it for very long. I had one sitting around and decieded to try it and see if it made a difference before I invested in a marine unit.

Other note, I went out one the water today and made some runs on the river with the msd box connected and without. My conclusion was that there was not a noticeable difference with or without. Which I guess makes sense. Over 3000 rpms, the msd only gives one spark, so running full throttle the results should be simmular.

Once I get my flamethrower II next week, Ill go out for another run.

People spend a lot of time and money to fix a nonexistant problem and may in fact create problems. If you find doing point maintenance a pain in the you know what just wait until the electronics go south when you are 20 miles from the dock with no spare electronic parts. I keep a spare coil, condenser and points on board for less than 30 dollars, about one tenth the cost of a compete spare electronic system.