INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

9

If everything checks positive, use the following procedure to test the ignition for spark. MSD also

offers an Ignition Tester, PN 8998 or PN 8996. This tool allows you to check your complete ignition

system while it is in the car as well as the operation of rpm limits, activated switches and shift lights.

CHECKING FOR SPARK

If triggering the ignition with the White or White/Blue

wire:

1. Make sure the ignition switch is in the “Off” position.

2. Remove the coil wire from the distributor cap and

set the terminal approximately 1/2" from ground.

3. Disconnect the MSD trigger wire (White or White/

Blue) from the distributor.

4. Turn the ignition to the On position. Do not crank

the engine.

5. Tap the White wire to ground several times. Each

time you pull the wire from ground, a spark should

jump from the coil wire to ground. If spark is

present, the ignition is working properly. If there

is no spark skip to step 6.

If triggering with the Magnetic Pickup:

1. Make sure the ignition switch is in the “Off” position.

2. Remove the coil wire from the distributor cap and

set the terminal approximately 1/2" from ground.

3. Disconnect the MSD magnetic pickup wires from

the distributor.

4. Turn the ignition to the On position. Do not crank

the engine.

5. With a small jumper wire, short the MSD’s Green

and Violet magnetic pickup wires together several

times. Each time you break this short, a spark

should jump from the coil wire to ground. If spark

is present, the ignition is working properly. If there is no spark skip to step 6.

6. If there is no spark:

A. Inspect all of the wiring.

B. Substitute another coil and repeat the test. If there is now spark, the coil is at fault.

C. If there is still no spark, check to make sure there are 12 volts on the small Red wire from the

MSD when the key is in the On position. If 12 volts are not present, find another switched 12

volt source and repeat the test.

D. If, after following the test procedures and inspecting all of the wiring, there is still no spark, the

MSD Ignition is in need of repair. See the Warranty and Service section for information.

The following wiring diagrams illustrate numerous installations on different vehicles and applications.

If you experience difficulties when installing your MSD, contact our Customer Support Department at

(915) 855-7123 (7 - 5 Mountain time) or e-mail us at: msdtech@msdignition.com

WHITE WIRE TRIGGER

WHITE OR WHITE/BLUE

WIRE

GROUND

Figure 10 Checking for Spark with the Mag Pickup.

Figure 9 Checking for Spark with the White Wire.

MAGNETIC PICKUP TRIGGER

GREEN

VIOLET

JUMPER

WIRE