MSD Ignition 6M-2 Box
 

I attempted to start my boat after sitting two weeks. The boat ran fine the last time it was ran. Upon attempting to start it wouldn't fire. I smelled something burning and noticed that the MSD Ignition 6M-2 Box was smoking.

Any suggestions on what happened? What steps need to be taken after installing a replacement box? Any suggestions for a replacement purchase as the MSD Ignition 6M-2 Box is back ordered for 3 weeks? Does anyone have a replacement in stock? Could it be anything else besides the MSD Ignition Box?

Any support would be appreciated. Thank you.

Re: MSD Ignition 6M-2 Box
 

Does the boat run without the MSD box? I was thinking that a bad pick-up coil or ignition module might fry the MSD box. I would start by hooking the ignition back up without the box to see if it runs ok.

Dave

Re: MSD Ignition 6M-2 Box
 

You need to make sure you have a breaker or fusable link in-line for your positive to the box. Use something that is approx. double the max. amp draw of the box. Call Eickert or CP Performance they should have boxes in stock.

Re: MSD Ignition 6M-2 Box
 

MSD will tell you that the box is internally fused and not to add a fuse in the main power circuit.

Dave

Re: MSD Ignition 6M-2 Box
 

Check with Jegs or Summit Racing. They usually have them.

The last time I had one repaired it was $85. I always keep a spare onboard now.

Re: MSD Ignition 6M-2 Box
 

Replace the whole system, distributor and all the DUI Performance ignition system. For about $450.00 you get the whole deal, incl distributor, rev limiter. We have been running them on the race boat and few of our pleasure boats without any problems. They have a 50,000+ volt coil, adjustable advance curve and a very simple wiring setup! You just call them up, tell them how much advance curve you want in the distributor and when you want it all in by. They send it ready to install. Install it & re-gap your spark plugs to .055 and you are off & boating.
Don't risk your few boating days to the MSD.

Re: MSD Ignition 6M-2 Box
 

In stock at Summit racing for $275

Re: MSD Ignition 6M-2 Box
 

MSD is a nice set up but unpredictable/unreliable. I agree with TomR. The MSD's always goes out when you need it the most.

Re: MSD Ignition 6M-2 Box
 

my 6m was at least 12 years old when replaced. Had very good luck with msd stuff over the years

Re: MSD Ignition 6M-2 Box
 

A spare MSD box is like an American Express Card...Don't leave home without it.
Unless you turning your engine 8000 rpm , I don't see any advantage to MSD , particularly taking in the reliability factor :rolleyes:
I use a stock Thunderbolt dist. with a Ford DG-3 (50,000 volt) coil. :cool: . The only ignition problem I ever had was the lanyard switch.

Re: MSD Ignition 6M-2 Box
 

Why do these boxes always go out when the OEM's can make stuff that will last for many many years? I used to work in a high performance shop and we replace MSD boxes all the time. Is the Crane or Accell box any better. I have just the regular 6A with a boost retard on mine and the system is about 8 years old. These boxes don't seem to have a definitive life span.

Re: MSD Ignition 6M-2 Box
 

Jeffaker as TomR mentioned D.U.I. makes a great product and I currently have a special in the advertisers marketplace if you are interested.

If you prefer to replace your existing box, I do offer some competitve pricing on all MSD products.

Sorry about the semi-spam...just trying to give you some options.

Thanks,
Don B.

Re: MSD Ignition 6M-2 Box
 

A spare box is a good idea.

Re Marine MSD BOX

I had a series of waves put enough water in the bilge that the belts were throwing it all over the engine. Never missed a beat.
The key thing in a boat is a good water resistant marine ignition.

Re: MSD Ignition 6M-2 Box
 

Multi Spark Discharge-MSD,Under 3000 rpm's the ignition multi sparks every time it fires a cylinder. When i first converted my 502 to a procharger alot of factors came into play at idle: compression was lowered from 8.75 to 8.1,went from running 87 octane to 94 octane,lowered base timing 4 degrees,raised fuel pressure,ran colder plugs etc. The msd cleaned up the lazy,rich idle by helping to burn the fuel more completely,it also( by having a stronger all around spark) allows you to run a bigger plug gap resluting in better combustion with the bigger fatter spark. So its not just a high rpm race ignition,Smitty

Re: MSD Ignition 6M-2 Box
 

Got a replacement ignition box installed and the motor fired right up. I am purchasing an additional box and keeping it as a replacement. Thank you for your responses.

Re: MSD Ignition 6M-2 Box
 

You might save $200 getting your old one fixed and use it as a spare.

Re: MSD Ignition 6M-2 Box
 

Last year I had a collection of 5 boxes and sent them back to MSD and they returned 5 new boxes free of charge. They said to run a in-line noise suppressor(part# 8830), which is a capacitor that controls voltage spikes. I now run these on every one I install and have had 0 problems since. I would call MSD for repair and maybe install this capacitor.

Re: MSD Ignition 6M-2 Box
 

CP MSD Ignition Box Description CP Performance has a ton of MSD ignition boxes and other MSD product in stock.

Re: MSD Ignition 6M-2 Box
 

Artic,
Yours certainly doesn't sound stock :rolleyes:
In a stock engine configuration the advantages or lack there of , are not worth the reliability factor , or lack there of , particularly in a single engine boat , in IMHO :cool:

Re: MSD Ignition 6M-2 Box
 

Did you charge the batteries with them hooked up. I've toasted a couple MSD boxes with the battery charger.