Any way to "test" a MSD box ?? kinda long

[Beernut]

Ok I started haveing a stalling/no start issue first thing in the morning. It will start run FINE for a few mins. Then just shut off, try to start back up and nothing. found out it was due to NO spark. After about 5-10 mins it will start right back up and run great the rest of the day with NO issues.

I replaced the stock coil with a MSD coil, bought a new TFI mod, and new plug wires... When I installed the "NEW" TFI , Im pretty sure 1 of the 2 bolts were pretty loose.. Well the "new" TFI was JUNK and the car ran worse. so I removed all new parts and put all my old parts back on. I also took out the MSD digital 6 box and the car has NOT done it again.

I want to hook the box back up now but I wondered IF I can check it first??
Is it possible the loose TFI could cause the stall/no spark issue ??
can I get away with running just a MSD coil and NO box on a turbo car??
should I just put it back on and see IF it goes back to doing it??

[Intmdtr]

Where do you have the box installed? is it close to the headers by chance? maybe after 10 mins it is over heated and has to cool down again before it will fire?

[Beernut]

Originally Posted by Intmdtr

Where do you have the box installed? is it close to the headers by chance? maybe after 10 mins it is over heated and has to cool down again before it will fire?

yeah it was under the hood next to the battery. With the turbo setup it gets HOT everywhere under the hood. I wondered about this but it only does it once and dont keep doing it. I thought IF it was overheating it would do it again after about the same time.. like every 10 min

[mustang]

will this help? this is how i test my box

Checking The MSD Ignition For Spark
The following test will determine if your MSD is producing a spark.



White Wire Trigger:
If you are using the White wire (points or electronic amplifier) of the MSD to trigger the ignition, follow these steps.

Make sure the ignition switch is in the Off position.
Remove the coil wire from the distributor cap and position the terminal so it is approximately 1/2" from a good ground.
Disconnect the MSD White wire from the distributor points or the ignition amplifier.
Turn the ignition to the On position. DO NOT CRANK THE ENGINE.
Tap the White wire to ground several times. Each time the wire is pulled away 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:
Inspect all of the wiring.
Substitute another coil and test again. If there is now spark, the coil is at fault.
If there is still no spark, check to make sure there is 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 12 volt source and repeat the test.

After inspecting the test procedures and inspecting all of the wiring, there is still no spark, the Ignition is at fault. See the Warranty and Service Page for Information.
Magnetic Pickup Trigger:
If you are using the 2-Pin Magnetic Pickup of the MSD to trigger the ignition, follow these steps.

Make sure the ignition switch is in the Off position.
Remove the coil wire from the distributor cap and position the terminal so it is approximately 1/2" from a good ground.
Disconnect the MSD Magnetic Pickup connector from the distributor.
Turn the ignition to the On position. DO NOT CRANK THE ENGINE.
With a small jumper wire, short the Green and Violet magnetic pickup wires together then pull the jumper off. Each time the short is removed a spark should jump If spark is present, the ignition is working properly.
If there is no spark:
Inspect all of the wiring.
Substitute another coil and test again. If there is now spark, the coil is at fault.
If there is still no spark, check to make sure there is 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 12 volt source and repeat the test.
After inspecting the test procedures and inspecting all of the wiring, there is still no spark, the Ignition is at fault. See the Warranty and Service Page for Information.

try this link for the picture

http://www.msdignition.com/page.aspx?id=3206