Using the MSD 8984 Start Retard

Cobra 29 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-11-2008, 07:02 PM

I have a 351W which I want to set at 14 degrees initial timing and a mech advance of 18 degress for a total of 32 degrees at 2500 RPM. At this initial setting, the engine can be slow to turn-over and start. It will but you need to hold the key in the start postion for a while. I want the engine to crank / start quickly. If I used the MSD 8984 for a 10 degree retard on start, will the engine start at quick at only 4 degrees BTDC? I understand that after reaching 800 RPM the retard goes away and the inital timing returns to 14 degrees.

Anyone using the MSD start retard?

Barnsnake · #2 (**permalink**) 12-11-2008, 10:49 PM

Been there.

Change the starter to one of the high-torque mini starters.

Cobra 29 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-12-2008, 08:37 PM

Jim, I have a FMS mini-torque starter. It helped. The grounds are good too; added one from the frame to the engine block.

Has anyone used the MSD start retard (8984) to help their engine / starter? I know this MSD part was designed for a locked-out advance on a race engine and that is likely why you have only two start retard options; 10 or 20 degrees. I would select the 10 degrees but timed at 16 degrees the starting crank degrees would be only 6. Would the engine start?

The MSD part also stablizes the signal from the MSD distributor. Do not know why that would be an advantage into the 6AL box. Anyone know?

Barnsnake · #4 (**permalink**) 12-12-2008, 09:23 PM

The engine would start fine at 6 degrees.

Before you throw any money at the problem make sure you're addressing the right problem. My engine didn't want to turn over when it was hot. After changing the battery and increasing the cable size (with no significant improvement) I decided I needed to back off my initial timing and change my advance curve. Just before I started making the changes I decided to check one last thing. I got the engine good and hot, let it sit for 5 minutes, pulled the coil wire and grounded it. I then tried to crank the engine. It still cranked like it was trying to run backwards. I installed a high torque starter and it has started like a champ ever since.

If you have high compression and winter fuel, it's entirely possible a spark retard is the right answer. Just try the test above one time to be sure.

Let us know what fixes it.