Backdraft Day 2 - MSD Failure

Mike Garnier · #1 (**permalink**) 03-06-2022, 08:58 PM

Hello everyone.

Well, I finally purchased my dream car - a used Backdraft Cobra - and on Day 2, it left me stranded. Seems I have no spark from the MSD ignition system. I have an MSD 6AL Box and a Blaster 2 coil into a MSD distributor. About 1 hour into my drive, it just completely died. The tach went haywire about 15 minutes prior - registering 4500 rpm at idle - and then nothing. I replaced the Blaster 2 coil today but still nothing. Is there a fuse that runs to the MSD 6AL box or some way to test it? Needless to say, the wife ain't too happy with my new purchase! Thanks for any help you can provide.

SBSerpent · #2 (**permalink**) 03-06-2022, 10:56 PM

Check your wire connections on the harness that goes up to the bottom of the distributor. Something similar happened to me on my 2011 BDR with a stroked 351W (392 CID). Left my house, drove for about a mile and then the motor died on the freeway entrance ramp. Had to have the car towed home. No spark at the plugs.

There are only 2 or 3 wires in the harness that goes up to the bottom of the distributor. Somehow, a pin connector in that harness that is located alongside the water pump and next to the oil pressure sensor had disconnected. Re-connected the connector and secured it so that it wouldn't work itself free in the future. Fixed the problem.

What build number is your BDR?

NROTOXIN · #3 (**permalink**) 03-06-2022, 11:15 PM

There's a troubleshooting procedure on the MSD website to determine if it is 1) Distributor 2) Coil or 3) the Box, plus you'll learn how they work independently and together.

The symptoms you describe sounds like the box but recommend troubleshooting rather than shotgunning by part replacement. Don't overlook checking the basics first....... voltages and grounds.

Tommy · #4 (**permalink**) 03-07-2022, 05:09 AM

MSD type ignitions do provide a very small increase in performance, but there's a reason why NASCAR cars have two systems installed so they can switch in mid-race when needed. I'm old enough to have had one fail on me and to have read countless stories about them failing. My latest hotrod does not have an MSD type system and it runs fine.

Blas · #5 (**permalink**) 03-07-2022, 05:24 AM

Check the distributor caps connection with rotor. Carbon button can quickly erode if installed incorrectly. Too much pressure or too pressure on the spring connector on top of the rotor and the carbon button on the cap self-destructs.
Blas

twobjshelbys · #6 (**permalink**) 03-07-2022, 08:49 AM

I had two MSD6ALs fail. I don't know if there is a functional equivalent but I would never use the MSD box again.

HighPlainsDrifter · #7 (**permalink**) 03-08-2022, 08:32 AM

Hi,
simple check is make sure the white wire from msd box is taped so it does not contact anything. It will shut down msd if used for anything other than a points ignition. Most likely the capacitor in the box is defective, just replace the box.
Perry

RockBit · #8 (**permalink**) 03-08-2022, 08:38 AM

If you have MSD ignition, you really should install a capacitor. MSD part 8830.

Ozzie Goat · #9 (**permalink**) 03-08-2022, 09:25 AM

Welcome to the Club, six years ago I had the exact same experience.
My son got snake bit while we examined the non-running car on our maiden voyage.

MSD calls for power and ground to be directly from the battery. Mine was wired to the fuse box - GO TEAM ICONIC
Always start with the ground wires on these cars.

FredG · #10 (**permalink**) 03-08-2022, 11:20 AM

These are the three most common issues I have seen on the 6AL. As suggested, you need proper grounding. Bad coil, you replaced it but make sure the one you used is compatible with the 6AL. Bad magnetic distributer pickup or broken pickup wire. I experienced the 3rd on my 10 year old car 2 years ago. Pickup wire broke under the insulation. There is an ohm test to check the pickup. Be sure to jiggle the wires when doing it. Good luck.

Fred