MSD 6AL2 programmable dead

DorianL

DorianL

solid fixture here in the forum
Staff member
Right, just when I took have the day off to push my ride through annual tech inspection, it dies!

It idled for a few minutes then Zzzz wouldn't start again. No spark. Fully charged batt.

The MSD LED should stay on - it flashes twice then goes off. Not normal.

I'll call MSD tech to be sure.

I might get a 200 AMP alt just to be be done with it. I think the two electric fans drawing 50 AMPS at idle might have something to do with this.

Just need to find one on summit that is similar to GM 12SI so that a I can take over my alt pulley.

This is not this first time it does this... I got towed a while back but figured it was a drained batt. But that double flash is occurring while bench testing.

Grmbl - and I just removed the supercharger, water meth, etc...
 
Ive purchased several 200 amp alternators from the guys at
http://www.dbelectrical.com/casearch.as ... ageSize=60

http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-9594-alte ... -1993.aspx

http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-3478-ford ... t-101.aspx

http://www.jegs.com/p/Powermaster/Powermaster-GM-CS144-Style-Alternators/1534945/10002/-1


and Ive also had several minor NON_RELATED electrical issues with alternators and electrical drains that they were very helpful in diagnosing, the main thing youll want to do is install a new direct connection, 4 gauge power lead from the new alternator to the batter positive terminal.
youll very likely find that your engine runs cooler and your fans run much more efficiently once they can get all the current they want, youll also find the ignition spark is much brighter if you get the same results Ive seen every time.
Youll also want to make very sure your electrical grounds are solid and think thru your ignition instal, most MSD control boxes fail due to heat or moisture, mounting them in a reasonably cool dry location helps and that ELIMINATES inside the engine compartment,mounting the controller in the upper most possible location in pass side foot well as far up under the dash as you can mount it is a frequently suggested and used location
Vaughn said:
You want to mount it using these criteria:

1. It needs to be relatively cool.
2. It needs to be away from road debris.
3. It should be relatively close to the coil.
4. The wire harness needs to be relatively short.
5. It should have an EXCELLENT ground and power supply. Ground and power supply are CRITICAL for best performance.

You have to make certain that the grommet is in place and is unlikely to allow wear on the wiring harness. If it is mounted inside the passenger compartment, make certain that it has sufficient airflow around it to make sure it won't overheat.
Click to expand...


RELATED THREADS

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

viewtopic.php?f=32&t=3954&p=18559&hilit=corvette+alternator+cable#p18559

viewtopic.php?f=70&t=6964&p=22890&hilit=corvette+alternator+cable#p22890

TESTING AN MSD IGNITION
viewtopic.php?f=70&t=1179

viewtopic.php?f=70&t=6961&p=22863&hilit=test+alternator#p22863

viewtopic.php?f=36&t=8493&p=29779&hilit=trouble+diode+ignition#p29779

viewtopic.php?f=70&t=855

viewtopic.php?f=70&t=2798

viewtopic.php?f=70&t=5425

viewtopic.php?f=70&t=3797

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viewtopic.php?f=70&t=232

I make this info stuff easy to find
http://www.4secondsflat.com/CD1-MSD-Crane Comparison.htm

https://www.centuryperformance.com/foru ... -Coil-Tech
coilsel.png
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Just got off the phone with MSD - they say the box failed... please send it to us for repair.
 

So they are going to pay for the repairs??? That's great, how long have you had it?

Ohh, how long do you expect to be without the unit ?
 
No, no...

This is on my dime. $88 to $120 excl shipping. I have had this box for a little while.

I suppose I'll have it done then sell on e-bay. it'll take 10 days to fix excl shipping.

In the meantime, I ordered a new unit from summit. I need to get this car on the road ASAP. I needs to be ready for a movie...

I'd also like to know what killed this. Another reason to send it back for forensics.

I also called the alternator guys, I think they are already closed! No one answering.

Groan!!!! $$$$
 
Grumpy, thanks for posting all these.

I should take better notes on the car. Reading these older threads, I forgot that I had these issues - it puts things into perspective.

Anyway, I am going to get the baddest-ass ALT I can find to put on there... plus I am going to put on new heavy duty batt cables.

...plus, at least two additional ground straps.

Amen!
 
It would be wise to upgrade to a more modern GM alternator design.
Something capably of delivering at least 80 amps at engine idle, 2000 alternator rotor rpm rotor speed.
GM DELCO 10si HAS A 6 inch end frame bolt mounting spacing.
GM DELCO CS130a series has 6 -1/8 end frame. Fits in place of the 10si without much fussing around.
I build my own high current alternators these days. All Transpo parts.
I can build to suit your needs . About $200 or less without shipping.
If I have your old alternator core to rebuild and hop up, it will be less $.
It will be spin tested up to 6k engine rpms., 18k rotor speed. Have access to an alternator spin output tester .

Brian R.
 
Your not the 1st to have MSD Digital 6 or 7 failure.
IF MSD dont fix, consider Mallory Hy Fire Digital CD control unit.
More reliable and proven race and street performance.
 
DorianL said:
(1) No, no...

This is on my dime. $88 to $120 excl shipping. I have had this box for a little while.

I suppose I'll have it done then sell on e-bay. it'll take 10 days to fix excl shipping.

(2) In the meantime, I ordered a new unit from summit. I need to get this car on the road ASAP. I needs to be ready for a movie...

(3) I'd also like to know what killed this. Another reason to send it back for forensics.

I also called the alternator guys, I think they are already closed! No one answering.

Groan!!!! $$$$
Click to expand...

(1) I was trying to practice my Positive Thinking.....sorry it didn't work! :D

(2) You are really enjoying this movie thing, do we all get copies for being supportive ???

(3) But will knowing what they replaced, tell you much about WHY it failed ???

 
Can you give more details of your Chevrolet Laguna? I believe its a1975 SS.
Is it a 454ci ?
I thought I had seen a paxton, voretch, or pro charger centrifical super charger under the hood.
From pictures in your movie thread.
Laguna's are rare now. At least here in Illinois.

For ultimate in reliabilty, running a pair or 2 high amp alternators is a great option.
Run a low mount block alternator. Similar to how Ford did with thier 302ci to 460ci engines.
Run the other alternator in stock GM location up high pr on top.
Gives you up to 400 amps total output. That way each alternator works at 25- 50 % Duty cycle only.
Internal heat inside of each alternator is much less. Reliability is extended upwards of 200,000 miles.
How they do it on American built Ford ambulances from 1970s to present.
Alternator failure means the patient accident victim dies before making it to the hospital.

I had to build my own GM alternator on my 87 Corvette.
Powermaster XS alternator 140 lasted less than 2 years.
Substandard diodes used in rectifier bridge.
Installed Transpo rectifier good up 200 amps., 70 amp diodes each.
35 amps each installed by Powermaster. Disapointment because I spent good $ to buy it.
Working great now.

Be happy to build you A custom alternator or pair of them .
Cost is mostly in core to rebuild and high amp field winding required.
Only premium American parts used.
Powermaster used china bearings in mine.
Failed another time earlier, 1 year only.

Why I build my own alternators now.
Have bulit others for friends. No issues.

Brian R.
 
Oh Def!!! I'm interested. Just in London for moment. Will respond in detail when I have wifi access later today. But details to come also on SBC 400 with AFR heads, roller cam, water meth and D1SC Procharger. ;-)
 
Brian, what is your opinion about the tuff stuff alternator and powermaster starter, are they good?(thats what i have on my camaro right now).
 
In a bar here in London sipping an Irish coffee. Just had Peking duck in china town.

Yesss. I think I can only afford one alt at this point. The. Only issue is making sure my offset pulley fits on the alt. the Procharger requires an offset pulley that pushes the V-belt outboard.

That and I really need to upgrade my wiring to 4 gauge all the way to my batt in the trunk. Searching summit fir a 4-gauge kit with trunk reach, but can't find any.

How long would it take you to build one of these? I def want one!
 
DorianL said:
In a bar here in London sipping an Irish coffee. Just had Peking duck in china town.

Yesss. I think I can only afford one alt at this point. The. Only issue is making sure my offset pulley fits on the alt. the Procharger requires an offset pulley that pushes the V-belt outboard.

That and I really need to upgrade my wiring to 4 gauge all the way to my batt in the trunk. Searching summit fir a 4-gauge kit with trunk reach, but can't find any.

How long would it take you to build one of these? I def want one!
Click to expand...


MOST WELDING SUPPLY SHOPS sell 25 ft-50 ft long sections of #1,#2 and #4 copper cable to use as a ground lead on welders at reasonable prices

http://www.ebay.com/itm/WELDING-CABLE-4 ... 6044475%26

WELDING CABLE 4 AWG 20’ 10’BLACK 10’RED CAR BATTERY LEADS USA NEW Gauge Copper usually at $20-$30 FOR A 20FT LENGTH, ITS USUALLY MUCH MORE FLEXIBLE AND BETTER QUALITY THAN MOST ELECTRICAL CABLE AND MOST BATTERY CABLE FROM AUTO STORES

RELATED LINK
viewtopic.php?f=48&t=4395&p=11559&hilit=battery+trunk#p11559
 
Not sure I will be able to give out copies of the movie. I like these guys and wouldn't want to break their copyright.

If I send the box back, they might be able to tell me why it failed. Beginning to think that's a waste if $$$$
 
Ummmmm. Wow!!!!! Thanks grump. I'm on it. What would you use as fuse? I was thinking a 60 amp audio fuse?
 
DorianL said:
Ummmmm. Wow!!!!! Thanks grump. I'm on it. What would you use as fuse? I was thinking a 60 amp audio fuse?
Click to expand...
use fusable link thats what the factory used (but DO NOT shorten it) it is much smaller that audio fuse and wont burn for no reason lol
use a 8awg(they are pretty uncommon at that awg rating but can be found) fusible link with a 4awg wire.

or that
at o'reilly's for about 30$. availlable as 120 and 140A too.
But i think a fusible link is better since you can have it closer to the battery/starter inside of the harness
content

at o'reilly's for about 30$. availlable as 120 and 140A too.
 
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