Msd conversion in 1969 stang FIRE!!!!!
12-25-2006, 01:27 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 17
Msd conversion in 1969 stang FIRE!!!!!
Merry Christmas guys and gals. Recently installed msd 6 box in '69 coupe, mallory digital distributor too. I wired it in with no ballast resistor(some schematics I got from msd and mallory were different) has ran fine. No real miles just different shake down runs in neighbor hood. But the other day smoke was coming from under dash, no real flames but wires were almost melting. Don't know which ones they are yet. Don't know if its 30+ year wires failing or the new ignition. Any suggestions and is a ballast resistor needed? If so where does it actually need to be? Help I hate electrical toubleshooting.
12-25-2006, 01:34 AM
#2
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Kirkland, WA
Posts: 934
RE: Msd conversion in 1969 stang FIRE!!!!!
well if your running the original wiring with a 6 box thats throwing more juice thru the lines you probably need to get some thicker wire or else it will happen again, but worse, probably an actual fire
12-25-2006, 02:01 AM
#3
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 17
RE: Msd conversion in 1969 stang FIRE!!!!!
That makes scence, except the box is creating the volts for the distributor, not underdash, which is where the issue is coming from. Unless I am wrong ,and believe me it wouldn't be the first time
12-25-2006, 02:38 AM
#4
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Location: Hills of California
Posts: 5,208
RE: Msd conversion in 1969 stang FIRE!!!!!
the MSD box is basically a capacitor that fires multiple sparks to the plugs though thespark plugwires. it doesnt change the voltage to the accessories or the ignition (thing where you stick the key in) it should all still be at 12V.
Smoke from under the dash inside the car is probably not related to the MSD.
Gun
Smoke from under the dash inside the car is probably not related to the MSD.
Gun
12-25-2006, 02:41 AM
#5
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Location: Hills of California
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RE: Msd conversion in 1969 stang FIRE!!!!!
Ugh double post.....since im here why do you think the wires that burned where not fused? Almost all the stuff under the dash has a fuse somewhere in line I figured whatever burned should have had a fuse too.
Gun
Gun
12-25-2006, 12:18 PM
#6
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,443
RE: Msd conversion in 1969 stang FIRE!!!!!
You need a ballast resistor to tame the in-rush current. If you don't want to use a resistor, upgrade the power wire to the msd. This includes were you tap into for your primary connection under the dash. My sugestion would be to run a new wire from the battey to the msd (fused), and the run wire can stay the same (off the ignition switch)...
12-26-2006, 12:50 AM
#9
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Kirkland, WA
Posts: 934
RE: Msd conversion in 1969 stang FIRE!!!!!
mine caught fire too.....but i was trying to take off the old parking break hand grip (it was broken in half) abd gave up and brought out the air powered saw. needless to say sparks and my carpet didnt get along to well, luckly i noticed the smoking so i patted it out and went back to a chisel
12-26-2006, 10:32 PM
#10
Foghorn Leghorn
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: I reside in a near constant state of amazment.
Posts: 2,923
RE: Msd conversion in 1969 stang FIRE!!!!!
Because of the lessons learned afterthe "Great Fire of '86" involving a poorly wired 68 Firebird, when installing or altering the wiring, I solder it, heat-shrink it and forget it. If you are going to take the time to do the install or repair, do it once and do it right. Rewiring what was a beatifully running machine sucks. Doing it after having it melt in your lap sucks twice as bad. Having it been your fault due to a ****-poorelectrical connectionis both just takes it to a whole new level of sucking.