starting problem

Jim Kaekel · 06-25-2008, 02:38 PM

I am having an issue with my '70 Olds E/SA stocker that is about to drive me nuts. I have an MSD distributor, box and coil. Car runs fine once it is started, but during cranking the timing is jumping all over the place, which causes it to either backfire through the carb or exhaust depending on where the timing is at that particular moment. Timing is locked-out and dead steady when the engine is running. I have checked rotor phasing, switched ignition boxes, distributors, coils, etc. to no avail. I have checked voltage at ignition box, starter, etc. and it is 10.5 volts during cranking. The only thing I haven't done is replace the batteries, which are older anyway need replacing. MSD suggested that I install a noise filter to suppress EMI (electro magnetic interference), which may be present. Ideas will be greatly appreciated.

SSDiv6 · 06-25-2008, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Kaekel

I am having an issue with my '70 Olds E/SA stocker that is about to drive me nuts. I have an MSD distributor, box and coil. Car runs fine once it is started, but during cranking the timing is jumping all over the place, which causes it to either backfire through the carb or exhaust depending on where the timing is at that particular moment. Timing is locked-out and dead steady when the engine is running. I have checked rotor phasing, switched ignition boxes, distributors, coils, etc. to no avail. I have checked voltage at ignition box, starter, etc. and it is 10.5 volts during cranking. The only thing I haven't done is replace the batteries, which are older anyway need replacing. MSD suggested that I install a noise filter to suppress EMI (electro magnetic interference), which may be present. Ideas will be greatly appreciated.

Check the batteries and grounding.

FED 387 · 06-25-2008, 05:56 PM

Try a different battery that you know is good before replacing the battery(s). Are you sure the starter is good ??? Next make sure you have a good clean ground for all the electronics and the battery---Make sure you have the ground wire going from the MSD grounded to the engine as well as the frame of the car---This is very important to do---Se if this solves your problem

mdspray1 · 06-25-2008, 08:52 PM

try to diconnect alt.or change key switch (if used)

Jim Carter · 06-25-2008, 09:27 PM

I had a similar problem years ago. Charlie Ford told me to ground MSD neg. cable straight to battery ground. Problem solved. I repeat: Problem solved. Thank God for the internet!

I also ran extra grounds from engine to chassis.
Think: Ground.

Jimmie C.

Rich Biebel · 06-25-2008, 10:21 PM

MSD electronic distributers usually get pretty rusty at the reluctor and other areas and I know one person that had a pickup go bad causing his engine to miss. Poor grounding is definately a possiblity as well.

Jim Kaekel · 07-03-2008, 08:42 AM

Problem fixed! It appears that a bad battery was causing the problem. Thank you to all that helped, particularly the advice from Ken Faulk.

06-25-2008, 02:38 PM	#1
Jim Kaekel VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,226 Likes: 133 Liked 529 Times in 107 Posts	starting problem I am having an issue with my '70 Olds E/SA stocker that is about to drive me nuts. I have an MSD distributor, box and coil. Car runs fine once it is started, but during cranking the timing is jumping all over the place, which causes it to either backfire through the carb or exhaust depending on where the timing is at that particular moment. Timing is locked-out and dead steady when the engine is running. I have checked rotor phasing, switched ignition boxes, distributors, coils, etc. to no avail. I have checked voltage at ignition box, starter, etc. and it is 10.5 volts during cranking. The only thing I haven't done is replace the batteries, which are older anyway need replacing. MSD suggested that I install a noise filter to suppress EMI (electro magnetic interference), which may be present. Ideas will be greatly appreciated. __________________ Jim Kaekel 3836 STK

06-25-2008, 05:56 PM	#3
FED 387 VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,413 Likes: 517 Liked 329 Times in 177 Posts	Re: starting problem Try a different battery that you know is good before replacing the battery(s). Are you sure the starter is good ??? Next make sure you have a good clean ground for all the electronics and the battery---Make sure you have the ground wire going from the MSD grounded to the engine as well as the frame of the car---This is very important to do---Se if this solves your problem

06-25-2008, 08:52 PM	#4
mdspray1 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 1 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: starting problem try to diconnect alt.or change key switch (if used)

06-25-2008, 09:27 PM	#5
Jim Carter Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 190 Likes: 10 Liked 19 Times in 3 Posts	Re: starting problem I had a similar problem years ago. Charlie Ford told me to ground MSD neg. cable straight to battery ground. Problem solved. I repeat: Problem solved. Thank God for the internet! I also ran extra grounds from engine to chassis. Think: Ground. Jimmie C.

06-25-2008, 10:21 PM	#6
Rich Biebel VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Northern New Jersey suburbs Posts: 2,314 Likes: 25 Liked 544 Times in 213 Posts	Re: starting problem MSD electronic distributers usually get pretty rusty at the reluctor and other areas and I know one person that had a pickup go bad causing his engine to miss. Poor grounding is definately a possiblity as well. __________________ Rich Biebel S/C 1479 Stock 147R

07-03-2008, 08:42 AM	#7
Jim Kaekel VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,226 Likes: 133 Liked 529 Times in 107 Posts	Re: starting problem Problem fixed! It appears that a bad battery was causing the problem. Thank you to all that helped, particularly the advice from Ken Faulk. __________________ Jim Kaekel 3836 STK