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Hib Halverson
Technical Writer for Internet & Print Media
Registered: January 2001
Location: Southern California
Posts: 5912
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Review Date: Thu May 17, 2007
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Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Price you paid?: None indicated
| Rating: 10
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Positive aspects of the product (pros):
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A valuable tool in anyone's toolbox.
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Cons:
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Many Corvette Action Center members are familiar with MSD ignition products but some may not know that the Autotronic Controls Corporation, manufacturer of the MSD brand, makes an Ignition Tester (p/n 8995) specific to their ignition amplifiers. I’ve had one of these units on my diagnostic tools shelf for almost ten years and have used it a couple of times to help solve ignition problems and to periodically test the MSDs I have on my cars.
The impetus for Autotronic’s development of this product came through their efforts in Winston Cup and drag racing. Those motorsports had a need for a simple, effective device that could test an ignition system as installed on the race car. Not only does this device positively test an MSD ignition amplifier and coil but it also allows the user to check ignition system connections and to determine if the distributor, plugs or plug wires are at fault.
The use of the MSD Ignition Tester is quite simple. Connect the red and black wires to a 12-volt source and ground respectively and then, depending on whether your distributor is a point-type or electronic trigger, use one of two trigger outputs. To simulate ignition system load, MSD includes a special “test spark plug” having a large air gap that is attached to the distributor end of the coil wire. Once the Tester is hooked up, turn the RPM knob on the side clockwise. Simulated engine speed, accurate to ±0.4%, is read on the unit’s display.
The two most likely problems you will confront are the high speed miss or no run conditions. First, inspect all ignition system connections making sure MSD pieces are installed and wired according to Autotronics’ instructions. Using a voltmeter, check the charging system voltage with the engine running. MSDs require at least 13-14 volts. Less than 13 volts with the engine running at operating temperature, accessories off and the battery at or near full charge indicates a charging system problem that needs to be addressed first. Once those two operations are out of the way, connect the MSD Tester and install the test plug.
Once the unit is connected, turn the knob and observe the rpm display. A buzzing sound will come from the test plug and if the system still has the miss, it will be obvious as the noise becomes erratic rather than a steady buzz. If the miss is gone; your problem is not the amplifier or the coil but may be spark plugs, spark plug wires or the distributor.
Plugs are easy. Pull a couple of them for inspection. A problem will be plainly evident in worn electrodes or excess deposits. If you need new ones, use a quality, high-performance plug such as the NGK or the Denso Iridium Power. With MSD ignitions on a street driven Corvette, you can run one heat range colder than stock.
Plug wires are also simple to check. If they’ve been in service more than three years or 36,000 miles or are cracked or have lost pliability; they need to be replaced. Double check them with an ohm meter…about 1000-5000 ohms per foot for resistance suppression wire, about 150-250 ohms per foot for inductive suppression wire, 50 ohms for MSD’s Super Conductor wire and, of course, zero resistance for solid-core wires.
If the wires pass, move on to the distributor. Point-type units having breaker points in marginal condition should be equipped with a set of high performance points and a new condenser. Electronic trigger distributors can, also, be checked. In the case of a factory unit, Corvette Service Manuals have a section on troubleshooting the magnetic trigger unit. If your distributor is an MSD or other aftermarket product, check with the distributor’s manufacturer for test instructions.
If the miss is still present. The next step is to change to an ignition coil that is known to be in good condition. If the miss goes away, you found your problem. Keep the good coil and trash the old one. If the problem still exists, the last thing to replace is the ignition amplifier.
The last handy use for the MSD Ignition Tester is setting or checking rev limiters. All you do is connect the Tester and advance the speed control. Once the display nears your rev limit, you should hear the test plug begin to misfire.
For more information on the MSD Ignition Tester call the Autotronic Controls Corporation, 1490 Henry Brennan Dr., El Paso, TX 79936. Tel: 915-857-5200. Web: http://www.msdignition.com
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Hib Halverson
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Registered: January 2001
Location: Southern California