MSD Magnetic pick up distributors

garyz · #1 (**permalink**) 11-14-2009, 07:25 AM

I have two ERA Cobras, both with Shelby 427 aluminum blocks and MSD billet distributors with magnetic pick ups and centrifical advance. I find in both cars that virtually everything under the distributor cap rusts excessively in a very short two year period of time. On one occasion there was so much rust on the magnetic pick up that the engine started to missfire. When I replaced the magnetic pick up, distributor cap and rotor, which were also excessively coroded, the problem stopped. Advancemechanism, springs and shaft even rust. So as a matter of routine maintenance now every two years I replace the magnetic pick up, cap and rotor, clean and blow out the distributor and replace the rusted advance springs. Both cars are driven less then 500 miles a year. Needless to say I am really unhappy with MSD and wondered if anyone has a solution to this problem?

rustyBob · #2 (**permalink**) 11-14-2009, 08:07 AM

Humidity.....moisture.....water......thats your problem.
MSD builds a quality product but moisture will ruin just about anything.
water dispersant-40 (WD-40) sprayed on the inside of the cap and in on top of the dist. should help or stop the problem and also i've been told that 2 small holes drilled in the cap will help this problem........... BUT i have never tried that one........

zrayr · #3 (**permalink**) 11-14-2009, 08:10 AM

my pick-up has also rusted, but there have been zero ignition problems. Now going on 8 years on the same MSD distributor & it's parts. I have changed the cap and rotor once though.

Z. Ray

RodgerH · #4 (**permalink**) 11-14-2009, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustyBob

Humidity.....moisture.....water......thats your problem.

I have to agree. My garage is attached to the house and the temperature is pretty constant. Even so, I run a dehumidifier in the garage anytime the outside humidity is high. It's amazing how much condensation it collects.

Rodger

zrayr · #5 (**permalink**) 11-14-2009, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustyBob

Humidity.....moisture.....water......thats your problem.
MSD builds a quality product but moisture will ruin just about anything.
water dispersant-40 (WD-40) sprayed on the inside of the cap and in on top of the dist. should help or stop the problem and also i've been told that 2 small holes drilled in the cap will help this problem........... BUT i have never tried that one........

the new msd caps have a vent built in.

Z.

rustyBob · #6 (**permalink**) 11-14-2009, 08:32 AM

there you go, problem solved.
living in the rust belt of america WD-40 has become a friend of mine.

Rick Parker · #7 (**permalink**) 11-14-2009, 10:17 AM

I like to change the cap yearly as a matter of practice. A couple of weeks ago I was doing some investigation for what I thought was a carburetor problem (Webers) but the symptoms turned out to be the advance weights binding and sticking on the pivot pins (light springs). I cleaned and replaced the weights & springs and all is well. I've had the MSD Pro Billet distributor for about 10 years now and really never had given the working internals much thought previously, as I am for the most part in a dry weather climate without a lot of humidity. However, the magnet was pretty rusty (surface) but to date has not cause any reliability issues. I will probably replace the pickup and reluctor this Winter.
MSD's products are well engineered.