msd dist problem.

[rod]

well i now have another ing. problem
i just bought an early design msd chevy dist. this is used but very little. it was just out of a running engine. with my point dist, the engine starts like a stock engine [that is, it starts quick], and idles at 1100. i dropped in the electronic msd and dry timed it. it takes a lot of cranking to catch. and will not idle at less than 1900, and even then it labors. i set the total timing at 45.
i reversed the leads to the msd 6 [on a chance] reset the total, starts the same [hard] and still idles the same-high.
R&R the point dist, starts quick and idles at 1100.
ideas?
thanks rod in AZ

[pmrphil]

Are you also using the points dist. with the MSD? Using the white wire with points, then using the plug-in for the MSD dist? Capping off the white wire? Are both distributors locked out timing? BTW, why so much total?

[rod]

all this is just too much trouble. the msd dist is going in the scape pile!
rod in AZ

[1320racer]

Originally Posted by rod

well i now have another ing. problem
i just bought an early design msd chevy dist. this is used but very little. it was just out of a running engine. with my point dist, the engine starts like a stock engine [that is, it starts quick], and idles at 1100. i dropped in the electronic msd and dry timed it. it takes a lot of cranking to catch. and will not idle at less than 1900, and even then it labors. i set the total timing at 45.
i reversed the leads to the msd 6 [on a chance] reset the total, starts the same [hard] and still idles the same-high.
R&R the point dist, starts quick and idles at 1100.
ideas?

yes, the mechanical advance isn't setup correctly for your engine and can be easily fixed.