Distributor Problems

[TxFiddler]

I have been running an MSD 8365 Pro-Billet HEI with the 427 that I put in my 80 C10.  Some of you followed the build thread.  Anyhow, last week, I noticed that from time to time at around 55-65 mph, the engine would stutter just a little.  Thought it was bad gas and changed the fuel filter.  Well on Saturday evening, I was driving in a parking lot, making some turns from left to right, making sure that nothing in the front end was loose.  Not related to the problem but since I rebuilt the suspension, I just wanted to check it and this was a good time and area to do so.  All of a sudden, the truck died.  Thought it might have been flooded or a float had gotten stuck from the left to right motion.  The MSD is not getting spark.  Had a buddy of mine tow me on his flat bed to my house.  After getting home Sunday from the game, I decided to see what's up with this thing.  Took off the cap and rotor.  All seemed fine.  Checked for voltage at the hot wire on the dizzy and was getting 11.89 volts with key on.  Then I noticed that one of the wires that plugs into the connector on the module had come unplugged.  It's on of the wire from the pickup coil to the module.  I was relieved and thought that has got to be it.  Plugged it back in, put everything together, turned the key and..........STILL NO SPARK!
I contacted MSD today and described the situation.  I asked the tech if the loose wire could have shorted anything out.  Of course he said no.  He said to triple check the power and ground and if still not working, to get a return authorization and send it back under warranty.

Any other suggestions or possible things to check are always welcomed.  Also, has anyone ever sent anything back to MSD under warranty?  Customer service seem ok?

Thanks,
Fidd

[Lt.Del]

rule out timing chain.  Does the distributor turn when cranking the engine?

[TxFiddler]

Yes.  The rotor still turns.

[Lt.Del]

my guess is bad module or pickup coil.

[TxFiddler]

SgtDel,
That's what I'm thinking also.  I'm glad that it's still under warranty.  Just not looking forward to jacking up the tranny to change the angle so that I have room to get the thing out.  Hopefully, MSD will correct the problem and get it back to me fairly quickly.
Fidd

[Lt.Del]

wow, that 427 must take up some room that you have to tilt the engine forward to remove distributor.  If you have the original distributor, simply take the module out of that and place in distributor, if the MSD stuff won't burn it up w/ the higher voltage.  That way you can check for spark and rule it out or find the problem, without having to remove the distributor.
I know auto stores will check modules and stuff, but, i have read those results are inconsistant at best.

[TxFiddler]

SgtDel,
The dizzy is pretty big.  I don't really wanna fool with a non MSD module.  This one also has the rev limiter built in.  It's the 8365 Pro Billet HEI.  I'm just gonna pull it and send it back.  Ground is good, hot with key on is good.  Gotta be either the coil or module or pickup coil.  I'll let MSD stand behind this one.  Has anyone with a 454 had to jack up the tranny to get the dizzy out?  Maybe it just looks like it won't make it but will.  I guess that I'll find out on Friday.
Thanks,
Fidd

[TxFiddler]

I got my dizzy back from MSD.  Before I removed it, I marked the firewall where the rotor was pointing.  When trying to re-install, I can't get it to line up properly due to the oil pump rod.  Is there a "trick" to this or a tool to turn the pump rod?  Please advise....
Thanks,
Fidd

[TxFiddler]

It was late after work yesterday.  Duh,  I will just turn the rod with a large screw driver.  My brain was in "work" mode instead of "truck" mode.

[TxFiddler]

Oh yeah, the problem, according to MSD was a bad module.  They replaced it and the pick up under warranty.  Good customer service but it took 2 weeks to get it back.  I shipped on a Friday, they received the following Tuesday.  Took 3 days to check it into their system.  They don't work on Mondays due to budget cutbacks so it was repaired the following week and sent back.  I will get er going Thursday. (day off)
Fidd

P.S.
If you do send one back for return, send the dizzy only.  I sent everything back with mine.  Springs, manual and all paperwork.  Of course, I didn't get that stuff back.  I did call and they said they said they will send me some new springs and that the manual is online.

[keachers]

i bought a new distributer and put it on and now all of a sudden when i go to tighten the bolt to secure it it gets tight but the distibuter still spins freely

[Irish_Alley]

put a washer in between the bolt and distributor clip

[keachers]

tried that, still no luck. could the distributer i bought be a hair too long??

[Lt.Del]

is the hold down clamp upside down?  If i recall, if you flip it wrong, the two prongs will sit higher in the air, flip it correctly, the forks face downwards slightly creating pressure to hold down the distributor.  Look at the distributor, is it sitting flush onto the intake?

[Irish_Alley]

add another washer lol