Which MSD distributor, locked or not?
 

It has been recommended to lock my distributor. Motor is a Whippled 540. Discovered my current MSD is rusted beyond cleaning. MSD's web site lists a locked out distributor, http://www.msdignition.com/dist_8.htm , but don't know if marine standard. Or should I go with the 83606?

Thanks

Re: Which MSD distributor, locked or not?
 

I have the MSD marine distributor and locked it out my self it's easy. I'll never go back to springs,bushings & weights

Re: Which MSD distributor, locked or not?
 

MSD will rebuild it cheap for you...I think $75...Lock it out yourself or have them do it when they rebuild it

Re: Which MSD distributor, locked or not?
 

I think we would all agree that weights and springs are no good in a marine environment.
So after locking the distributor, how will the timing advance be control?
Is their an electronic module to be added?
Or do you not need timing advance control on this engine?

Re: Which MSD distributor, locked or not?
 

I am going to replace with the same one I have until I can talk to JC. He's busy and tough to get a hold of, plus I've been hammering him with questions latley. I think I've used up all my tech support minutes!! :D

Re: Which MSD distributor, locked or not?
 

MSD now charges $97 to rebuild their dist. I just had 2 rebuild by them and they are for sale...they are locked

http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/page-11676.html

Re: Which MSD distributor, locked or not?
 

Once locked out you will need some sort of timing control MSD, Crane Hi-6M....

Re: Which MSD distributor, locked or not?
 

Stock engines or engines with small perfomance cams do not run well with locked out timing. They can build too much cylinder pressure at lower rpms, leading to detonation. Engines with larger cams tend to bleed off compression at lower rpms which keeps the cylinder pressure under control. No advance is needed for these. Just set the initial timing at 34 and forget it.

Re: Which MSD distributor, locked or not?
 

PE,
You are getting some good info here.
I don't think your engine has a cam with enough overlap to bleed cylinder pressure like PY has described.
I think you should have some sort of advance curve for spark timing.
Something like what a Merc 525SC has, 15? or so...
Did you find out if your MSD box controls timing or just multiple spark?

Re: Which MSD distributor, locked or not?
 

I herd from Paul Pfaff that you will need to have really good batteries to start the motor.

Re: Which MSD distributor, locked or not?
 

The Msd Boxes Only Control The Spark Not The Curve. Unless You Buy The Boost Retard Box Which You Mite Need If You Want To Up The Boost In The Near Future. It Takes Timing Out When The Motor Starts Making Boost. And It Adjustable, You Can Take Out Zero Per Pound Or Up To Three Degrees Per Pound Of Boost. I Purchased The Standard Msd And Locked It Myself. Very Easy To Do. And Its Cheaper Than The Locked One. Mine Idles Better In Gear And Cranks Fine With The Timing Locked At 30%. Actually I Still Have To Up The Timing A Bit But With The Gas These Days You Never Know What Your Getting.

Re: Which MSD distributor, locked or not?
 

I agree. Lots of good info here on the correct method for setting up your MARINE ignition. Locking out your distributor does not lock you out from controlling your ignition timing. You can actually control it better with todays technology. My setup is: MSD 6M = spark amplifier and multi-spark
MSD 8981 = total timing controls
MSD soft touch = rev controller

Yes you can lock out your own distributor. Easily done with the MSD kit (or have MSD do it with the rebuild).
The 6M ignition unit amplifies the spark and provides you with a multiple spark condition up to 3,000 rpm. All other functions are controlled by the other (if installed) units.
The 8981 timing controller is a great product. You set the total timing number (with your distributor) and the rest is up to the 8981 (and how you set it up). Good luck on your ignition project.
http://www.msdignition.com/tc_3.htm

Re: Which MSD distributor, locked or not?
 

Thanks for the responses, great info!!

Re: Which MSD distributor, locked or not?
 

All of my SC engine packages I lock the timing out also. Very good choice to do!

Re: Which MSD distributor, locked or not?
 

Its been rough this week.Getting stuff done so i can go to LOTO this coming week.I will call you Kendall :D

Re: Which MSD distributor, locked or not?
 

No problem Jeff, I completely understand. Go have a good time. :drink: