MSD 6421 6AL-2 Ignition Control Installation - Manual (Page 9)

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 9
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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: [email protected]
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