Date
Codes: "What
are the markings on the back of the units"?
Pro
Cap Updates
Since the Pro Cap was introduced we have incorporated several changes:
• The first change was the bottom base; it had a tendency of cracking.
• The hardware was changed form Allen head screws to Phillips screws to limit the torque applied to keep from crushing or cracking the base mounts.
• The center rotor contact on the cap was changed from stainless steel to a traditional carbon contact.
• The replaceable outer terminals are being changed from a narrow stainless tip (.1235) to a wide brass non-replaceable tip (.2235).
• The replaceable rotor tip has changed from a stainless tip to a plated copper and now to a wide brass tip (.3660). The tip will be rounded off on one edge and sharp on the firing edge. The rotor will be shipped unassembled so that it can be installed according to the generator rotation.
These have all been running changes, all new parts are available separately.
Click here for more details on the Pro Cap
Retard
Box | Retard Units Updates
Old vs. New
A new stamping code "XA" on retard boxes will indicate the latest updates are incorporated, allowing use with crank trigger systems. One could experience RPM drop off at about 7000 to 8000 RPM with an unmodified unit connected to a crank trigger system. Older units can be sent in and upgraded by our repair department.
Units with an E8 or newer date code will not have an "N7" stamp, as these units already have the update incorporated in them during production.
Note: The retard chip value is not linear above 15°example: (19° could measure 21.5º and 20 could measure 22º)
New
Spark Plug Wire Color
The red wire contains the same quality copper conductor core with a better performing outer jacket. The damage mechanism exhibited by the new jacket material makes the wire more resistant to heat / IR induced damage. Under the same conditions, the new jacket will remain more nearly intact by not crumbling or discoloring. (See John Clark on this issue) How often should I replace wire sets?? If you keep a log on the wires, beginning with their build date, this should generally alert when it's time to replace. Wires should read 40 to 50 ohms per foot and should never increase unless damaged. Coil wires will be short lived due to the firing frequency compared to spark plug wires. (8 firings Vs 1 of 8)
Hemi
Tubes Update
There
are three generations of Hemi tubes and several changes within the different
versions. Since NHRA's mandate requiring valve cover restraints was put
in place, MSD has continually made changes to aid in the transition. The
latest change is to the 90° elbow, we have added ribs to the inside
to keep the wire in place. Thank you Johnny West for making this suggestion.
Spark
Plug Boots Updates
We have had several teams bring to our attention the fact that the current spark plug boots do not remain attached to the spark plugs. This is due to the larger porcelain insulators found on some spark plugs and the inner diameter of the spark plug boot being too small for this application. To resolve the problem, we are molding a larger inner diameter boot that will accommodate both large and small ceramic plugs. As the boots become available we will inform you ASAP.
A few years ago we had the opposite problem where we were dealing with a smaller than normal ceramic insulator. This had disastrous effects because the boot's inner diameter was too large to seal onto the ceramic shell, allowing the spark to travel along the outside of the spark plug rather than into the cylinder. There were several teams that experienced violent engine explosions as a result.
Self
Powered Timing Light Updates
We
have developed a new update to the self-powered timing to increase timing
accuracy and minimizing timing retard that can be seen during engine acceleration.
Those timing lights that have been updated can be identified with a small
hole that has been drilled at the base of the handle close to the wire
strain relief.
Timing lights that have not been updated can be sent to:
MSD Ignition
Attn: Magneto Repair Department,
1350 Pullman Drive, Dock #14
El Paso, TX 79936.
Please include a daytime phone #, return address (No PO Box please), and a small note detailing your requests.
Note: Due to the size and multiple buildings, a "Next day" shipment will not arrive the mag department until the following day of the units arriving our shipping building.
The updated will be done at not charge.
