1973 CJ5 Wiring Help Needed - V8 Engine No Spark

So I picked up this project from and I have been working on it and trying to get everything figured out for a little bit and I have noticed some strange things while trying to get it running. It has a painless wiring kit, MSD 6AL ignition, MSD coil and what looks to be an aftermarket distributor that has 2 wires coming out of it instead of the stock. The problem is that it had a bad ignition switch and none of the wiring hooked up and just kind of run all over the place.

So I bought a new ignition switch and got some of the wiring hooked up so now at least it will turn over but I am not getting any spark. I have hooked up everything that the MSD instructions said but it says to use the white wire to the wire from the distributor. But there is 2 wires and this distributor does not seem to have points like the stop distributor would have. Not sure how to add pictures to this sight. The wires from the distribution appear to be orange and blue.

Any help would be great.

 

Post a picture of the distributor, and under the cap. Probably a Ford Duraspark distributor for the AMC V8. AMC used these after 1977 for all their cars. It will work fine with the MSD module. Look at page 18 here http://www.msdignition.com/uploadedFiles/MSDIgnitioncom/Products/Ignitions/6420_instructions.pdf

 

Not sure how to attach the pictures to this thread. It keeps asking for a URL and the pictures are on my hard drive. I had looked at the MSD page 18 but that example shows 3 wires coming out of the distributor. I figure that the two wires have to plug into the magneto pickup on the MSD but not sure what color goes to what and I don't want to hurt the MSD by hooking it up wrong.

 

http://www.earlycj5.net/forums/showthread.php?78830-Posting-photos

 

i thing that i figured it out. Do you see the attachment?

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Try this one - http://fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=1152

Works with other hosting sites, like PhotoBucket too.

 

Or this. [/URL][/IMG]

 

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There ya go.

Duraspark, '78-on AMC V8, factory equipment. The OEM connector has been cut off.

Orange and purple (bluish) is right for the Duraspark. MSD doesn't tell you the pinout of the module connector because they want you to buy the 8860 or 8869 harness, which have the colors you need to know. The MSD module does not care about the original black center wire, which normally goes to ground.

You may be able to figure out the proper orientation from the picture of the 8860 here http://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-8860

If you connect it backwards, the sense of the trigger signal will be reversed. This won't matter to the module, but the trigger timing may not be right for the advance you want. http://www.megamanual.com/ms2/pickups.htm

 

The little red wire from the ignition just turns the module on and off. Tape over the white wire. Connect your coil to the orange and black wires.

 

I got everything hooked up correctly but still having a problem. There is no spark as I am cranking but as soon as I stop cranking it sparks once. Maybe the MSD 6al unit is bad?? Any ideas.

 

the ford duraspark is on of the best ignition systems made.. keep it stock and you wont have a problem...

Google MSD sucks and see peoples horror stories

 

I have MSD 6 series on my Mustang and truck and never had any problems. Any idea why my CJ5 is having this problem or how I can test the box?

 

Do you have access to an oscilloscope? The distributor just sends a signal like shown in the Megasquirt link above. The MSD module triggers based on that signal. The MSD can also be set up to work with a Kettering trigger (points) which is just like an on-off switch. You should be able to make a spark by connecting and disconnecting as if points were attached. You could also contact MSD for some diagnostic advice.

Did you try reversing the polarity of your trigger wires?

The other possibility is to buy a GM HEI module and use that. That will be easy to hook up and reliable, but it won't give you the CD ignition like the MSD. Google "Stealth HEI" for more info.

 

You need a wire from the "I" terminal on the starter relay going to the "+" terminal on the coil.

 

I don't think so - not with the MSD module. The coil is isolated from the ignition circuit. The MSD is a switching power supply that makes a high-voltage LC circuit of the coil. The feed from the ignition only enables the module, so all that's needed is to connect the ignition switch to the small red wire from the module.

 

(for Tim) The original configuration of the ignition system did use the ignition by-pass. The OP stated he changed the ignition switch and that it fires once when the switch is returned to the on position. Some switches don't supply ignition power when in the start position.

 

Mmm. Is it a different switch from what came from the factory? I understand what you are saying, but the MSD instructions show the small red wire of the MSD connected to the (+) wire of the coil. This is already connected to the "I" post of the solenoid. To the extent that the original wiring sends power to the coil while the engine is cranking, it should work.

Easy enough to check. See if you have power to the small red wire when the engine is cranking.

 

He said he has a painless wiring kit and I just figured he did not make this bypass connection but that was figured only from his symptom.

 

I disagree. I've seen so many problems with factory Duraspark modules I wouldn't run one if you gave the whole system to me. That was back when I worked for Ford dealerships then after.
When they manufacture the module they put it on a flexible circuit board then fold it over and install it in the box. Heat kills these things like mad also. Had one fail on me while driving a float in the Macy's parade, right in front of the cameras. Nothing we could do but get towed out, in front of national tv...