Setting Timing

[Max Blast]

I have an MSD distributor and 6Al box. There is one wire that connects the dist to the box.

What I want to know how to do is to set the "total advance timing" without running the engine.

With the old standard points stuff I used to just hold in all the mechanical advance and then slowly turn the dist (with engine at appropriate timing mark) until my signal light responded to the points opening. Buzz Box stuff for you old mag guys.

How do I do this using the one wire from the dist. Something must be happening when the dist tries to signal the box to fire. Anyone know how to do this?

regards,
Max Blast

[chassisman]

Index timing is nearly impossible with an MSD....have you tried calling their tech dept.?

[dprochison]

Best way to set total timing is to Run the engine at 3000 to 3500 rpm(Total Advance will be all in at that rpm)and set your desired total timing.I don't believe you can set it with a MSD6AL box with the Engine not running.

[Mike Lawless]

I'll assume you're looking to set static timing before an initial fire-up. I run an MSD dizzy with the mangetic pick-up and what I will do is put the motor at the timing I want, and visually line up the reluctor wheel segment with the pole on the magnetic pickup. I can usually hit it within a few degrees. Then time normally once the motor is running.

[Ron Gribble]

I do it the same way.
At least with a ford distributer triggering a msd you can get it within maybe 3 deg. I assume yours is similar. You can actually get it very close, plug a spark plug into the coil wire, and rotate the distributer body to see exactly when it fires with respect to reluctor position. It will be slightly different at speed, but not much.
Ron #7306

[Max Blast]

Mike and Ron thanks so much for the tips. I did it the way Mike said before and it worked for me then I was just hoping to get closer. The spark plug thing never occurred to me but makes a lot of sense.

I just wanted to get as close as I could before firing the engine.

Thanks again guys you were very helpful.

regards,
Max Blast