MSD TL Analog

[SJ/XPBri]

I need some help here. I just bought an MSD analog TL system- old school with the plug in modules. Problem is, I have no idea what to run for RPM modules. I need:
1. For the RPM the retard will begin
2. For the rate of retard
3. The Rev limit

I've been trying to get in touch with Paul, but I'm sure he's going crazy moving the shop.
If the unit has to be fine tuned later, that's fine. I just want to buy a set of modules that will let me run the TL without blowing up my ski.
Thanks,
Bri

 

[crammit442]

A fairly safe place to start would be:

28 or 29 deg initial timing
5000 retard begin
5 deg per 1000
8000-8500 rev limit

This should be fairly safe on pump gas w/most combinations. Good luck!

Charles

 

[Matt_E]

Go for a 4/1000 retard module.

 

[SUPERTUNE]

I had many of those kick my ass...:dead1: Make sure you comfirm what the timing is doing with a timing light! One of those old boxes would change the curve by changing the rev limiter chip!:banghead:

 

[2nd nature]

A fairly safe place to start would be:

28 or 29 deg initial timing
5000 retard begin
5 deg per 1000
8000-8500 rev limit

This should be fairly safe on pump gas w/most combinations. Good luck!

Charles

i was told the same thing.

 

[Dski]

How would you use a timing light on a 701 Engine.

With the flywheel cover off, the bendix does not stay in, If you were to take the flywheel cover off after getting the engine started the bendix will most likely fall forward into the rotating flywheel.

 

[Matt_E]

You use a special bendix holder. In most cases, there is no reason to use a timing light.

 

[SJ/XPBri]

How would you use a timing light on a 701 Engine.

With the flywheel cover off, the bendix does not stay in, If you were to take the flywheel cover off after getting the engine started the bendix will most likely fall forward into the rotating flywheel.

I'd mark the coupler, measure at the PTO.
Bri

 

[SJ/XPBri]

You use a special bendix holder. In most cases, there is no reason to use a timing light.

Does anyone know where to cut a stock flywheel cover to make a bendix holder?
Thanks,
Bri

 

[Dski]

I have the same ignition as SJ/XPBri, I dont trust how i have it set either i just didnt know how to get a timing light to work.

 

[crammit442]

I'd mark the coupler, measure at the PTO.
Bri

That works well. You'll need to be extra precise because of the relatively small diameter of the couplers.

Charles

 

[SUPERTUNE]

In most cases, there is no reason to use a timing light.

That's the difference between me and other shops and guys like you...How are you going to be consistent to make horsepower with every job you work on and don't check and confirm the ignition timing with a timing light? What do you do... just guess at it? If you just assume, all that does is make an ass of yourself!
That's why MSD inhancers are Mostly JUNK as their curves suck and a lot of the time they don't have more than 2 degrees of retard! They are better than stock, but not much for the $$.
MSD TL (ditital), Advents and Wax's new programable CDI are WAY better choices. You should always make a degree chart for every stroke motor and rod lenth motor so YOU CAN make a timing mark on the flywheel (or coupler) to reference from for using a timing light. You can cut an extra front cover off the have a bendix tool very easy, cut the cover vertical to the left of the 3 bolts and the bendix bushing hole. WORD TO THE WISE...

Team Scream Racing

 

[SJ/XPBri]

Here's a pic of what I just did to make a bendix holder.

Why doesn't someone make a coupler that has 1 degree marks the whole circumference of it? Would make life much easier.
Thanks,
Bri

 

[Matt_E]

Words...

Whoa there....no reason to draw hasty conclusions, please.
Yes, I give the flywheel a good ole spin and take a guess what teeth points toward the Polar star. That's how I set all my ignitions. :haha:

Seriously, I do time my personal Total Loss ignition not by timing LED (It's broken). I measure TDC with a micrometer. I mark the flywheel marks with Sharpie (the stock marks aren't very pronounced!). Then I find where the ignition actually sparks when the crank is rotating. However, that's my personal method.
For the average semi-stock engine with stock or even MDS Enhancer, I wouldn't bother with a timing light. If you do, good for you.
I am not a pro-shop.