Multi-channel MSD 2530 TL issues

[ATS_Scott]

I bought an old superstock ski last weekend with the MSD multi-channel TL P/N 2530.

I tried installing it on my current engine. Following the MSD install PDF, I found TDC on #1 and proceeded to set-up using the LED with spark off. I set static at 25 on #1, and rotated to check #2 pick-up and it was at 29?? So I have an approximate 4 deg difference between the pick-ups according to the LED.

I thought "CRAP the crank is twisted", so I re-installed the degree wheel, set everything up at TDC on #1, then went looking for TDC on #2, it lined up perfectly with #1 according to the degree wheel and piston stop.

So my question is: Is it common for the pick-up plates to be off? Can they even be adjusted? it's a used set-up, but the pick-ups appear to be un-molested. Should I attempt to get the pick-ups to 180deg. or am I chasing the wrong problem?

 

[SUPERTUNE]

Yes, this does happen the the MSD stuff sometimes, just re-drill the holes in both pickups 1/32 bigger and retard one and advance the other, this will get your pickups to within 1 degree will be fine.

 

[Kennay]

Good idea.

 

[QJS]

Also make sure the air gap is the same for both pickups if it is different on one the timing will be different.
Chris.

 

[Watty]

You can actually get a little bit of slop on the mounting holes....loose the pickups, push to the desired side and tighten down again.

Also, if one of the pickups has been reversed for a neater wire run into the grommet hole, it will throw the timing out on one cylinder. The pickup cables should loop around the pickup plate and then through the cable hole. I've run into this exact problem with tryig to have the least amount of cable on the outside of the plate to stop vibration etc...basically, the pickups are not symmetrical on thier mounting plates.

I ended up loopig the cables around and using a sticky back ziptie holder to hold the cable down....it works and looks good.

 

[ATS_Scott]

Thanks guys! that's just what I needed to hear. The original wire routing for the pick-ups was through the slotted adjustment holes, and not through the grommet hole. That was the first thing I had to fix, so it would actually retard enough. I'll check air-gap, and then drill the hole a little bigger.

 

[Watty]

Like I said though.....try flipping the pickup on it's mounting plate.....you shouldn't have to drill the hole bigger or anything, move it, flip it....etc, but modify as a last resort!!

 

[Shifty]

I had the same issue. I tried flipping the pickup on its little kidney shapped mounting plate as suggested, checking the mounting plate to make sure the thread inserts were exactly 180* appart, degree wheel (crank was about 1/2* out) using all the play available in the pickups, I was always 3* to 3-1/2* off from one to the other. MSD sent me one new pickup... after swapping it out with one and getting the same result I swapped it out for the other; now its dead on.

I spent two nights trying different configurations. I knew I could englarge the pickup holes, but I bought a brand new system and wanted to get to the bottom of it.
MSD ended up sending me the faulty pickup back after I returned it for testing, passing with a "GOOD".

 

[ATS_Scott]

Ok, I went turn one of the pick-ups around and somebody stripped out one of the screws for me. Yay me. So I'll just drill em and be done.

 

[ATS_Scott]

update:
I followed Chucky's advice and drilled the pick-up plates with a 5/32 drill. I re-installed and moved them as far as I could, and timing is now the same on both cylinders.

Thanks!

 

[SUPERTUNE]

I'd have to say... just a lot of experience!