Timing?

KEVIN T · 04-14-2012, 12:25 PM

Hello all, Perhaps someone knows of or has expierenced this. I set the MSD crank trigger to 35 degrees but when I check it with a timing light it is only at 32 degrees. I checked to make sure that the damper it true @ TDC and it is. So is there a, + or - in the MSD box? I wouldn't think so. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Kevin T

Chris Williams · 04-14-2012, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KEVIN T

Hello all, Perhaps someone knows of or has expierenced this. I set the MSD crank trigger to 35 degrees but when I check it with a timing light it is only at 32 degrees. I checked to make sure that the damper it true @ TDC and it is. So is there a, + or - in the MSD box? I wouldn't think so. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Kevin T

What box? The 7AL3 differs from the 6 and even the 7AL2 by a few (2-3) degrees. Known issue, that everyone just gets used to. Go by the timing light.

Tom Goldman · 04-14-2012, 07:07 PM

Also be sure to use a non adjustable timing light to set timing with an MSD.
Multiple strikes play hell with the adjustable advance electronics on the adjustable lights.

KEVIN T · 04-15-2012, 01:12 AM

Forgot to mention, it is a 7AL3 box.

kt

powerstrokeace · 04-15-2012, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KEVIN T

Forgot to mention, it is a 7AL3 box.

kt

On this box you MUST put in the ZERO chips in the front of it. If you don't all kinds of weird thing happen. It states this in the MSD book

Ace

powerstrokeace · 04-15-2012, 11:22 AM

MULTI-STEP RETARD
There are four retard modules available with the 7AL-3. Each module is activated independently by removing ground from the corresponding module. The controlling terminals are listed as RET-1 through RET-4 and are located on the third terminal strip. The modules can be activated in any order and are cumulative unless deactivated. The maximum amount of retard allowed is a total of 20° even if the modules add up to more than 20°.
Note: If a Retard function is not going to be used the corresponding terminals must be grounded, or a "zero" degree module must be installed.

KEVIN T · 04-15-2012, 02:43 PM

I know that, all the retards have zero chips in.

kt

Chris Williams · 04-16-2012, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KEVIN T

I know that, all the retards have zero chips in.

kt

The chips are sometimes bad. I have the chips in, and have a jumper grounding all four of the screws on the front for the retard triggers. More than one guy has been burned by one of the chips not being enough.

KEVIN T · 04-17-2012, 09:13 AM

Chris and Pat, thanks for the advice, will tie the chips together and gound them. I'll check the timing again. Will let you know if that works.

Kevin

04-14-2012, 12:25 PM	#1
KEVIN T Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Bradenton Fl Posts: 83 Likes: 5 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Timing? Hello all, Perhaps someone knows of or has expierenced this. I set the MSD crank trigger to 35 degrees but when I check it with a timing light it is only at 32 degrees. I checked to make sure that the damper it true @ TDC and it is. So is there a, + or - in the MSD box? I wouldn't think so. Any ideas? Thanks, Kevin T

04-14-2012, 07:07 PM	#3
Tom Goldman VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Allentown,PA Posts: 2,438 Likes: 780 Liked 703 Times in 206 Posts	Re: Timing? Also be sure to use a non adjustable timing light to set timing with an MSD. Multiple strikes play hell with the adjustable advance electronics on the adjustable lights. __________________ Tom Goldman 1500 SG , 1506 STK

04-15-2012, 01:12 AM	#4
KEVIN T Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Bradenton Fl Posts: 83 Likes: 5 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Timing? Forgot to mention, it is a 7AL3 box. kt

04-15-2012, 11:22 AM	#6
powerstrokeace Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 15 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Timing? MULTI-STEP RETARD There are four retard modules available with the 7AL-3. Each module is activated independently by removing ground from the corresponding module. The controlling terminals are listed as RET-1 through RET-4 and are located on the third terminal strip. The modules can be activated in any order and are cumulative unless deactivated. The maximum amount of retard allowed is a total of 20° even if the modules add up to more than 20°. Note: If a Retard function is not going to be used the corresponding terminals must be grounded, or a "zero" degree module must be installed.

04-15-2012, 02:43 PM	#7
KEVIN T Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Bradenton Fl Posts: 83 Likes: 5 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Timing? I know that, all the retards have zero chips in. kt

04-17-2012, 09:13 AM	#9
KEVIN T Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Bradenton Fl Posts: 83 Likes: 5 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Timing? Chris and Pat, thanks for the advice, will tie the chips together and gound them. I'll check the timing again. Will let you know if that works. Kevin