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FE Power Forums => FE Technical Forum => Topic started by: fryedaddy on June 30, 2024, 12:35:52 PM

Title: msd pro billet dist
Post by: fryedaddy on June 30, 2024, 12:35:52 PM
im running a msd pro billet distributor and with a module.i think im getting a missfire because of the small cap and closeness of the wires. do they make a large cap that will fit my dist?
Title: Re: msd pro billet dist
Post by: 6667fan on June 30, 2024, 06:44:50 PM
Do you have 7 & 8 spaced, not crossed on each other?  What part number on distributor? Running 2 x 4s? Only small cap will work with them.
Title: Re: msd pro billet dist
Post by: cjshaker on June 30, 2024, 10:25:18 PM
They have their Cap-A-Dapt kit, for spacing like the later Ford distributors.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-8420?seid=srese1&gclid=CjwKCAjwhIS0BhBqEiwADAUhc-LQGSt3-iuMgsZcSAowhRpNud6laTdYijPIY7rhlNJu89pe3pArqBoCZOUQAvD_BwE

Unless you're running an extreme ignition system, spark jumping on the smaller caps should not happen. If it does, it's most likely because of another issue like carbon contaminated caps allowing spark travel, faulty wires or a badly aligned rotor. I've ran the standard caps for years with CD ignitions, on multiple engines, and never had an issue that wasn't wire related.

Don't get me started on the MSD pickups though. I've had multiples of those fail, and in different ways. Sometimes starting with a slight irregular miss for a few days or weeks, sometimes like the flick of a switch, sometimes after a trouble free drive, then next time....nothing. I now keep TWO spares in each vehicle that uses an MSD distributor, along with the allen head and small wrench needed to change them.

Edit: I've been stranded in my Mach twice because of those pickups. Luckily, each time within a couple miles from my home. Because of that, I now carry an entire spare distributor and spare pickup in the trunk, ready to drop in anytime I need it. And I've needed to once since then.
Title: Re: msd pro billet dist
Post by: BigBlueIron on July 01, 2024, 09:33:56 AM
The reasons posted above is why I stick with a duraspark distributor. I don't see any advantages besides changing the curve by using an aftermarket distributor.
Title: Re: msd pro billet dist
Post by: Stangman on July 01, 2024, 10:27:09 PM
Not long ago I had a #8 cylinder misfire for about 5 minutes. While trying to troubleshoot, swapping plugs and wires to see if it would follow it fixed itself. I didn’t think a pickup would do that but I figured I’m gonna change it anyway.  Which reminds me I should get another one. I did get an MSD one but I think they might be the same as a regular Ford pickup.
Title: Re: msd pro billet dist
Post by: TurboChris on July 02, 2024, 08:39:16 AM
About 6 months back I was starting to experience "breaking up" after driving a bit.... in the 2-4k rpm range. New MSD 6AL, low miles on plugs and wires....everyone I spoke to (MSD tech, local auto electric guy) all thought that it didn't point to the distributor. But I went ahead and changed out the magnetic pick ups as they are cheap and boom. Problem solved.
Title: Re: msd pro billet dist
Post by: fryedaddy on July 03, 2024, 10:52:53 PM
scott 10mm racing wires.it has burned a hole in the rotor tip before,but i dont know if it was related