6462 Datasheet, PDF (7/24 Pages) Alpha Wire – Customer Specification

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
7
TROUBLESHOOTING
Every MSD Ignition undergoes numerous quality control checks including a four hour burn-in test. If
you experience a problem with your MSD, our research has shown that the majority of problems are
due to improper installation or poor connections.
The Troubleshooting section has several checks and tests you can perform to ensure proper installation
and operation of the MSD. If you have any questions concerning your MSD, call our Customer Support
Department at [phone], 7 - 6 mountain time.
TACH/FUEL ADAPTERS
If your tachometer does not operate correctly or if you experience a no-run situation with your foreign
vehicle you probably need an MSD Tach Adapter. The chart below lists common tachometers and if
an Adapter is necessary.
Tachometer Compatibility List
AFTERMARKET TACHOMETER
AUTOGAGE
AUTOMETER
FORD MOTORSPORTS
MALLORY
MOROSO
STEWART (voltage triggered)
S.W. & BI TORX
SUN
VDO
AMC (JEEP)
CHRYSLER
FORD (voltage triggered)
GENERAL MOTORS
IMPORTS
WHITE WIRE TRIGGER
8910
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
8910
NONE
8910
8910
8910
8910
8910
Bypass In-Line Filter
8910
MAGNETIC TRIGGER CONNECTOR
8920
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
8920
NONE
8920
8920
8920
8920
8920
Bypass In-line filter
8920
Note: On the list above, the trigger wire on tachometers that are marked NONE may be connected to the Tach
Output Terminal on the MSD 6 Series Ignition Unit using the supplied Female Faston Receptacle.
NO-RUN ON FOREIGN VEHICLES
Some foreign vehicles with fuel injection systems may require an MSD Tach/Fuel Injection Adapter
to run with an MSD 6 Series Ignition. This is because many of these systems use the same trigger
source to operate the MSD, the tachometer and the fuel injection. This results in a voltage signal
that is too low to accurately trigger the fuel injection. To fix this, an MSD Tach Adapter, PN 8910, will
remedy the problem on the majority of vehicles. If the PN 8910 does not fix the problem, the PN
8910-EIS will be required.
Note: Toyotas and Ford Probes will require the PN 8910-EIS Adapter.
INOPERATIVE TACHOMETERS
If your tachometer fails to operate with the MSD installed you may need an MSD Tach Adapter. Before
getting an Adapter, try connecting your tachometer trigger wire to the tach output terminal on the
side of the MSD. This output produces a 12 volt, square wave (see page 2). If the tach still does not
operate, you will need a Tach Adapter. There are two Tach Adapters:
PN 8920: If you are using the Magnetic Pickup connector (Green and Violet wires) to trigger the MSD,
you will need the PN 8920.
PN 8910: If your tachometer was triggered from the coil negative terminal (voltage trigger) and you
are using the White wire to trigger the MSD you will need the PN 8910.
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