MSD 6A

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Oceanside, CA - USA

Joined: 11/19/2003

Posts: 191

Vette(s): 1978 Silver Anniversary model. Original L82 engine, 700r4 trans, edelbrock intake, thorly headers, rack&pinion steering, mono rear and front spring, MSD 6A box

Mounted and hooked up my MSD box, instructions were easy ( even for me the electric challenged.) Last wire connected, turned the key and the engine fired up and runs smooth. " Happy camper." Only problem, radio static and tach shows 2800 RPM at idle. The instructions shows for general motors tach may need a "Bypass In-Line Filter." Before I call the tech reps, have anyone experience the same problem and is there an easy fix, did I miss something during hook up?

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MSD 6A

Posted: 5/4/07 3:25pm Message 2 of 8

Gunslinger

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Frederick, MD - USA

Joined: 9/8/2003

Posts: 3398

Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior

I have a 6A in my '69 and haven't experienced the problem you're describing.

Do you have the original factory AM/FM radio? It likely needs new filters due to the age of whatever original filters it came with. I have a newer stereo/CD player and noise has not been a problem.

For the tach, maybe you need the recommeneded filter for that. Maybe everything needs better grounds. Depending on where you mounted the 6A (I mounted mine behind the passenger side dash panel), you can install a metal shield around it similar to the distributor shielding.

MSD 6A

Posted: 5/4/07 3:34pm Message 3 of 8

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Oceanside, CA - USA

Joined: 11/19/2003

Posts: 191

Vette(s): 1978 Silver Anniversary model. Original L82 engine, 700r4 trans, edelbrock intake, thorly headers, rack&pinion steering, mono rear and front spring, MSD 6A box

I put in a new AM/FM radio last month. I mounted the box in the wiper tray with the after market cover over it and drilled the fire wall and put rubber groumits for the wires. I havn't shorten the wires yet that might help if they are too close to the plug wires. Thanks for your input.

MSD 6A

Posted: 5/4/07 3:38pm Message 4 of 8

lukesvette

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HOWELL, NJ - USA

Joined: 5/18/2004

Posts: 6812

Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.

What was your 12V ignition source? If you tapped into the radio wiring, that could do it for you related to the noise. I had a different problem with my tach - bounced around over 4k. Took the filter out of the sequence - problem solved!

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MSD 6A

Posted: 5/4/07 3:49pm Message 5 of 8

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Oceanside, CA - USA

Joined: 11/19/2003

Posts: 191

Vette(s): 1978 Silver Anniversary model. Original L82 engine, 700r4 trans, edelbrock intake, thorly headers, rack&pinion steering, mono rear and front spring, MSD 6A box

The ignition source was the battery wire that had been connected to the distriburtor as directed in the instructions. I'll check to filter if I can locate it.

MSD 6A

Posted: 5/4/07 5:15pm Message 6 of 8

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Oceanside, CA - USA

Joined: 11/19/2003

Posts: 191

Vette(s): 1978 Silver Anniversary model. Original L82 engine, 700r4 trans, edelbrock intake, thorly headers, rack&pinion steering, mono rear and front spring, MSD 6A box

Just drove home (7 miles) opened the hood and the engine compartment seem hotter than normal. The alternator was very hot to the touch. Didn't conect anything to it when I installed the 6A box. Any ideas?

MSD 6A

Posted: 5/4/07 7:03pm Message 7 of 8

lukesvette

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HOWELL, NJ - USA

Joined: 5/18/2004

Posts: 6812

Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.

Re check your wiring!! I believe there's a battery source as well as an ignition source. If you're alternator is cooking, it may no be putting out enough amperage for the box....but I doubt thats it. Couldn't hurt to put a meter on it to see how much amperage it's putting out.

Also, do you have a good solid ground for the ground wire coming out of the box?

MSD has good diagrams on their website as well.

LukesVette2007-05-04 19:05:06

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MSD 6A

Posted: 5/6/07 7:20pm Message 8 of 8

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Oceanside, CA - USA

Joined: 11/19/2003

Posts: 191

Vette(s): 1978 Silver Anniversary model. Original L82 engine, 700r4 trans, edelbrock intake, thorly headers, rack&pinion steering, mono rear and front spring, MSD 6A box

I'm at home and the ole computor aint what it used to be. Keeps going down. Checked the box and seen where there was a tach conection slot so conected a wire to it and to the tach wire. bingo the tach is working corectly. Shorten all wires and re-routed them away from plug wires. Reduced the static. I'll recheck all the ground wires and the alternator amps. thank to all