Timing my 318 with MSD Ignition?

[1976 Aspen]

I can't seem to time my engine that I just fired up for the first time. It's a 318 and I put the MSD Billet distributor and the MSD 6AL Box on it. My Snap On timing light reads eratic rpm and I can't seem to get it to work. Any suggestions???

[CandianWrangler]

I am quite sure that a timing light does not work with MSD (Multiple Spark Discharge) boxes as they fire through each plug multiple times per firing.

That would explain your eratic timing due to the box firing #1 cylinder every 1 or 2 degrees of distributor rotation after the initial spark discharge.

You may be able to disconnect the box to set the timing, but I would recommend calling
MSD Ignitions Tech. Line - (915) 855 - 7123

[The Dartman]

My timing light times my MSD lit 318 with no problems. Are you sure your bringing the RPM's up high enough? Advance and mutli spark issues go away at higher 2800-3000 rpms', where timing should be set at anyway.

Dartman

[dwc43]

Works on my car too. We have used msd7AL2's on some of our race cars too and use a timming light to set those too. YOu need to set the idle at 2800 to 3000 like Dartman said and set your dial back timming light to 36* and set the balancer mark pointing to 0 and then lock it down. Reset your idle and your done. YOu should always set total timming. It's most accurate and you'll have to leave the vacuum advance unplugged too. You dont need it anyway with total timming set.

[1976 Aspen]

I set the idle at 3000 rpm and still it reads eratic. Maybe my timing light took a dump. I''l try another one. Thanks guys!!!

[dwc43]

That's a possibility. Make sure you get a good brand name one and not some cheap parts store job. Might try to borrow a friends first and see if it will work.