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Need some help with ignition set up

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ammaddon

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I have a full msd ignition system on my 454. I have a 177 blower and a 850DP carb.

I called Dean Nickerson, (put everything together on this) and they recommended 28 degrees total timing. That put's me at 8 degrees at idle. (1100 rpms)

I got the timing set to 8 degrees. The boat idles awsome. No popping etc. However, my tach now reads about 1000 rpms high, and I have lost all top end, I have a hard time hitting 50.

Ideas for what could have happened with the Tach reading (mags jumped etc) and does this timing sound correct?

One thing I did find out, can't use the adjustable Timing light with MSD set up.
 
#2 ·
What kind of advance do you have? Is it mechanical in the distributor, or do you have one of the new digital boxes?

If it's mechanical, you could be advancing at idle speed if the weights are too heavy. I would set you total timing then check and see what your initial is.

Frank
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
I have an MSD Distributer.

It is not the Digital set up.

Does 28 degrees sound right with my set up?

I always run 92 or higher and shes huffing 5psi of boost
 
#5 ·
ammaddon said:
I have an MSD Distributer.

It is not the Digital set up.

Does 28 degrees sound right with my set up?

I always run 92 or higher and shes huffing 5psi of boost
Click to expand...
The 28* is fine, but you've gotta check it with an advance light. If the timing doesn't advance with RPM, then the distributor is most likely locked, in which case you can't set it at 8 when it's idling.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
cubicinches said:
The 28* is fine, but you've gotta check it with an advance light. If the timing doesn't advance with RPM, then the distributor is most likely locked, in which case you can't set it at 8 when it's idling.
Click to expand...
The timing does advance. As I increased the RPMs the light did advance. A possible issue I found though is MSD says you can not use an adjustable timing light. Which puts a "damper" on my day. The timing tape on the balancer is shot, I only have my 0 degree groove to go by. Looking around at the local shops to see what I can find for a blancer tape.

Now, I also want to verify I am reading correctly, I have a timing pin that comes off the block at approx. 1 o'clock facining the pulleys. When I advanced, the indicator line advanced forward (aprox 3'o clock). I am correct to assume when advancing, the indicator should go to the right?
 
#9 ·
ammaddon said:
The timing does advance. As I increased the RPMs the light did advance. A possible issue I found though is MSD says you can not use an adjustable timing light. Which puts a "damper" on my day. The timing tape on the balancer is shot, I only have my 0 degree groove to go by. Looking around at the local shops to see what I can find for a blancer tape.

Now, I also want to verify I am reading correctly, I have a timing pin that comes off the block at approx. 1 o'clock facining the pulleys. When I advanced, the indicator line advanced forward (aprox 3'o clock). I am correct to assume when advancing, the indicator should go to the right?
Click to expand...
You should be able to use an advance light on that system. Some of the Snap On digital lights get goofy on the MSD, but any light with a dial on it should be fine. But, the mark moving from 1 o'clock to 3 o'clock with an RPM increase is backwards. You're sure that's correct? Better pull the cap and rotor and see what's up with the weights.
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
cubicinches said:
You should be able to use an advance light on that system. Some of the Snap On digital lights get goofy on the MSD, but any light with a dial on it should be fine. But, the mark moving from 1 o'clock to 3 o'clock with an RPM increase is backwards. You're sure that's correct? Better pull the cap and rotor and see what's up with the weights.
Click to expand...
Well, as i said, My tach is reading all messed up now too.

Here's the history, My I had to replace my intake gasket. Before I did so everything was fine ignition wise. I replaced the gasket and now am doing the timing. Now sure what could have changed in the interim, but it's got me pissed off!! :winker:
 
#11 ·
ammaddon said:
Well, as i said, My tach is reading all messed up now too.

Here's the history, My I had to replace my intake gasket. Before I did so everything was fine ignition wise. I replaced the gasket and now am doing the timing. Now sure what could have changed in the interim, but it's got me pissed off!! :winker:
Click to expand...
I think I know this story... Don't you know Nardo??
 
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ammaddon
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