help needed with dist install

[Jack O.]

I have a '69 427. It had a standard points type distibutor which I replaced with an MSD tach drive dist and MSD 6A electronic ignition. Everything I can think of thus far checks out but the engine won't fire - not even a hint of starting. The engine was running on the std dist before I made the swap. I marked the location of the rotor before pulling the dist and the new one went in with the rotor positioned in seemly perfect position. I've checked the ignition according to the instructions that came with it and according to that test, it's fine. I checked that I have spark at the coil and then at the plug. I rotated the engine to TDC and verified that the rotor is firing on #1. I've even hooked up a timing light and checked the timing as the engine was being turned over and verified that it's firing at TDC (or at least what passed as TDC before the swap). Did I miss anything or could it be that although I have a spark it's somehow not good enough or in some way defective? Has anyone installed a similar setup and had a problem such as I'm describing?

Thanks,
Jack Ottofaro

[Rob A.]

Re: help needed with dist install

I had a similar problem after reinstalling a distributor on a '66, but it was the same one that was removed. Leave the distributor hold down loose enough for someone to rotate while you crank the engine. Have them move it slowly in both directions while you're cranking and see if the engine fires at all, even if it backfires. You'd be surprised how being just a little off on the distributor installation can effect your engine.

[Joe R.]

Re: help needed with dist install

Jack,

You haven't missed a thing. MSD's are great when they are running but have a history of not working or crapping out at the most awful times. The box is dead so exchange it for a new one or send it back to MSD and they will fix it free. Don't get me wrong. They are wonderful units and really work well--when working. Just carry a spare box along just to make sure you can get back home.

JR