Cascade Crew

BigDaddyVu · Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 8:01 pm Post subject: MSD Interference???

I got the msd mounted and a new distributor installed try'd the thing out and runs awsome. but i am having problems with interference it is tripping or messing up my csi temp control module keeps flickering and preventing cooling fans from turning on (it works with engine off). i have the msd box mounted on the left front corner above the charcoal canister using the f-body alm bracket my wires are in a lume for the exception on the trigger wires routing straight back to the booster and to the cap. and also using accell plug wires. could i be inducting voltage from the coil power wires (blk and org) from the msd???

Twilightoptics · Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 9:40 pm Post subject:

I don't understand what this is affecting. Your CSI? Cold Start Injector?

I've never seen an MSD cause any interference on an F-Bod.

BigDaddyVu · Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 9:50 pm Post subject:

CSI is a name of a product that manufacturers programmable digital temp gauge to turn on cooling fans, water pump, fail safe, and etc. http://www.prostreetonline.com/csi_performance_gauges.html

Twilightoptics · Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 10:13 pm Post subject:

I would first check your grounds on the instrument and the MSD. If they are in the same place, might try locating them separate. Same with the IGN power to the MSD and the Gauge stuff.

After that definitely keep the wires in a loom and away from anything related to the gauge. I've got my MSD tied right into my commander 950 harness with no problems. I'd almost suspect ground or something else maybe happened when you installed it.

BigDaddyVu · Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 10:42 pm Post subject:

all right. i did grounded the blk power wire to the core support so i'll just run it to the batt (-)

Twilightoptics · Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 10:52 pm Post subject:

BigDaddyVu · Posted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 1:22 am Post subject:

everything is hooked up properly now. i have no need for white wire i removed the module which your able to take full advange of the msd. now my system is a fully functional cdi ignition.

QwkTrip · Posted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 9:03 am Post subject:

Sounds like your CSI module might be susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) from the MSD system. This could be caused by signals traveling through the wiring harness back to the CSI module, or magnetic fields crossing through the CSI module. For wiring harness issues, make sure the two systems don't share electrical harnesses and are not bundled together in the wire looms. If that doesn't work then you can either take steps to shroud the MSD box with metal, or you can move the two modules further apart (much easier!). Also make sure the CSI module isn't too close to spark plug wires. If that doesn't work then you could put some protection in the circuit but I'm not saavy on how to do that.

Twilightoptics · Posted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 10:52 am Post subject:

Without the white wire... how does the MSD know when to fire?

BigDaddyVu · Posted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 11:51 am Post subject:

i used the voilet and green wires. so msd is hooked directly to my pick coil. the msd is in place of my 4 pin module. so i could get the full 20' of multi spark dwell unlike the 5 pin and 7 pin modules in computer controlled hei's as told by the tech's. here is the manual. page 16 and 17 http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/instructions/msd-6420.pdf

Twilightoptics · Posted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 2:03 pm Post subject:

Gotcha. I didn't know you could bypass the ignition module all together.

What motor are you running? How are you controlling your advance? Is this a mechanical distributor?

BigDaddyVu · Posted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 5:51 pm Post subject:

vacum advance hei used to be a 4 pin module now has msd in its place its but i still retain the pickup coil. its 5.7 out of a 72 malibu. so i have the most desirable hei non computer controlled.

but i found the PROBLEM after testing every electrical i could think of it ended up to be alternater it will hold 13.8v but when the fans, headlights, and other acc. turn on my volts drops to 10v and i notice a whine so my rectifier is about to burn out completely beings it hasn't run since oct. so back to the shop the altenater

BigDaddyVu · Posted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 8:21 pm Post subject:

i replaced the alternater but i have narrowed the problem to the hvac system it appears to have a higher than usual current draw.

has anyone had this problem?

i also posted some pics of my msd install in the garage if anyone care to look.

Al Hasse · Posted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 8:36 pm Post subject:

How's the HVAC blower motor. Mine just went out and I've noticed a lower than normal voltage reading the last few months. I'll know for sure when I replace the blower motor, or at least unplug it.

QwkTrip · Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 5:22 pm Post subject:

If the alternator has a loud whine then one of the stator windings (phases) likely shorted and burned open. The short in the phase can take out diodes in the rectifier bridge too. Replacing the alternator was a good move. Wink

When you say the HVAC fan is pulling high current, what is "high"?

BigDaddyVu · Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 6:41 pm Post subject:

when i turn the selecter to ac heater vent or defrost it goes down to 10 volts (lights go dim aswell) and sometimes the high fan speed don't work half the time. i'll have to buy a new one. funny the fan motor is physically the same as the stock cooling fan which i replaced 2 years ago.