[64speed]

I just put the MSD 6AL on the car mainly for a rev limiter. Now when it is cold it is incredibly hard to start. My voltage gauge goes all over the place from 8.5 to 12 volts rapidly and the engine turns over slowly. Any suggestions?

[steve25]

Go back and retrace your steps of installing the MSD.

Read thru the set up instructions carefully again.

If the motor is cranking slow now and you did nothing while installing the MSD that effected the battery, battery cable or the starter, then my guess for the slow cranking is way too far advanced timing.

[64speed]

Counterclockwise retards timing correct?

[steve25]

Yes.

Print this off and keep it handy.

[JSchmitz]

Originally Posted by 64speed

I just put the MSD 6AL on the car mainly for a rev limiter. Now when it is cold it is incredibly hard to start. My voltage gauge goes all over the place from 8.5 to 12 volts rapidly and the engine turns over slowly. Any suggestions?

I have a suggestion. Put an HEI in it and be done. I'm trying to figure out whether you have insanely bad luck or you're your own worst enemy. Lol! Good luck figuring this problem out!

[johnta1]

Was it hard to crank before the MSD? You shouldn't have to change any timing when installing the MSD 6AL.

Hard to start when cold, this mean cranks slower (when cold) or just won't fire up?

How do you have it wired up?

I would check all battery connections and grounds.

[mgarblik]

If you had no problem at all before installing the MSD, and now with the MSD installed and nothing else changed you have the problem ? If that is the case then the MSD box is defective or it is wired incorrectly. Logic states that's all it could be. MSD is not the same company or products they were 5 years ago. Holley purchased them and ruined the company like all their other acquisitions. Virtually all MSD product is made in China rather than El Paso, TX. MSD boxes MUST have 12 volt power minimum to operate properly. They will not function properly if wired through any resistance wiring. Check voltages first. 12.2V minimum on the big and small red wires. If all voltages are proper, the Chinese box would be next in line of failures. I am assuming you did nothing to mess up the distributor, timing, plug wires, simply added a 6AL box?

[64speed]

Timing fixed it. Thanks

[64speed]

It was at 14. Moved it to 12 and it’s like night and day. It didn’t always start great with the RTR distributor but it wasn’t that hard.

[mgarblik]

Glad you have it sorted out. If only a 2 degree change made such a huge difference, you must be right on the edge with your initial ignition timing. At least you know right where to go if you have an issue again.

[JSchmitz]

It should not be hard cranking at 14 initial. Have you verified your timing marks?

[64speed]

I still got tuning to do of course but it runs great (to me) right now and seems to get better with more tinkering. It was running 201 with the timing like it was and just took it for a ride and it’s at 190. It was never a fast starter but when I put the vacuum hose on the other day it moved a little. I put it back and tightened it down and it was slow starting after that.

[68WarDog]

David, what distributor are you running? If it's the MSD 8563, hopefully you've changed out those 2 heavy silver springs those distributor came with.

[64speed]

Yes per my builder I put the black bushing in and traded for one light and one medium spring

[Formulajones]

In case you aren't aware, the black bushing, which I typically use, supplies roughly 18 degrees of centrifugal advance so if you set initial at 12 you can expect only about 30 degrees total.

With a low total like that I'd be inclined to modify the vacuum advance and add a bit more vacuum timing than I normally would, likely 15-17 degrees. Would certainly help those hot temps you're seeing and for sure help part throttle drivability and mpg.

Settings like that shouldn't even be remotely close to causing a hot crank issue.

[steve25]

A note to the OP.

If like you posted your Battery is dipping down to 8.5 volts when cranking then I think your Battery is not in the best condition, OR it’s not getting charged well.

A Battery that is in good shape and charged well will when just sitting test out a tad higher then 12 volts.

I would take the car to a auto parts store or your mechanic and have the Battery load tested so you might rule that out or not.

Read up on Battery load testing.

[Formulajones]

Agree with Steve, a battery load test should be done and if that passes you have something in the system drawing too much. Either a starter or starter switch or wiring etc...

You shouldn't be seeing 8.5 volts when cranking. Most drop I typically see during crank on a healthy setup is mid 10's

[64speed]

Originally Posted by Formulajones

In case you aren't aware, the black bushing, which I typically use, supplies roughly 18 degrees of centrifugal advance so if you set initial at 12 you can expect only about 30 degrees total.

With a low total like that I'd be inclined to modify the vacuum advance and add a bit more vacuum timing than I normally would, likely 15-17 degrees. Would certainly help those hot temps you're seeing and for sure help part throttle drivability and mpg.

Settings like that shouldn't even be remotely close to causing a hot crank issue.

How do I modify the vacuum advance

[Formulajones]

It gets a bit in depth. I weld the slots here to limit travel at the desired timing I'm looking for. Typically about .150" of movement will get you 10-12 degrees at the crank. If it has adjustable spring tension I usually go for a light setting there as well. A little time consuming but the results are worth the effort.

[64speed]

Can this distributor be “sun tuned”