Setting up an MSD Distributor
 

I am currently putting the finishing touches on my new N.A. 540. I am trying to decide how to set up my ignition timing curve. I have an MSD Pro Billet distributor. See attached link for engine specs and dyno results.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...light=540+dyno

When the motor was on the dyno, we used a Magneto set to 34* with no advance. I was thinking about going with setting the base timing to 10* with the silver 25* bushing. With 1 silver and 1 blue spring, the full advance should come in at about 2900 rpm.
What do you guys think?

Re: Setting up an MSD Distributor
 

I'm running locked at 34 degrees. No problems starting or idling.
This was a recommendation from Dean Nickerson and my engine builder.
And yes, I use an MSD distributor.

Re: Setting up an MSD Distributor
 

Vinny,
I am running 10:1 compression and using the flat tappet cam I locked my distributor in at 32*. I never had any issues with starting or knock, that I could hear or see with my knock sensor. It would idle great. If you want to have a curve, I would put as much timing in as possible on initial and very little advance with weak springs, coming in as soon as possible. I dont think you will have any problems running 34* with a quick curve.. Unless your cam specs bump up the compression drastically..
Lets see what everyone else has to say about it..

Dick

Re: Setting up an MSD Distributor
 

Dick and Russ,

I remembered that both of you were running a locked distributor. I am a bit afraid of doing that. I am still using the stock Merc. starter. My concern is being able to spin it over when hot.

Re: Setting up an MSD Distributor
 

Ttt

Re: Setting up an MSD Distributor
 

I hear you Vinny, I am running a 3.5hp starter motor.. well that's what they told me.. LOL

I would make the advance as small as possilbe and then the rest at intial. It will idle a lot better and I dont think you will have any problems with hot start. Of course if you do.. just go to the next smaller bushing.. and readjust. I would think, you would see a problem right away if it were going to suface..

Thats the fun of boating.. wrench till it's right.. right?

Dick

Re: Setting up an MSD Distributor
 

Just got off the dyno last week. By setting my MSD up with the weakest springs so timing comes in asap, exhaust temps were dramatically better. Set at 34 total on 540.

Re: Setting up an MSD Distributor
 

I always run locked as well.

Re: Setting up an MSD Distributor
 

I lock all my motors out.


My new 500efi's with whipples . the computer will do the timming .

Rob

Re: Setting up an MSD Distributor
 

On My small block I made a larger diameter than the black one to limit mechanical advance .I think I ended up with about 14 degrees of mechanical advance.So I set the timing at 18 degrees and end up with 32 total.I have posted a picture of the spacers.I would make you a couple to try if you want.

ROB

Re: Setting up an MSD Distributor
 

Rob,
Thanks for the offer. If I have a problem I will certainly look you up. For now, I think I am going to try the smallest advance bushing with the weakest springs. As was said, I can easily change it if it doesn't work.

Re: Setting up an MSD Distributor
 

I've got mine set-up with the black bushing and the light blue springs. Initial timing set @ 18 for a total advance of 36 degrees. Works great for me.

Re: Setting up an MSD Distributor
 

Definatly use the black bushing. Modified engines need more initial timing for a decent idle. If you have a large cam, you may want to lock the dist.

Re: Setting up an MSD Distributor
 

My engine builder likes to use one of the lightest springs and one of the next lightest. He has found in the marine environment that when using two of the lightest springs the advance doesn't always return.

MSD makes a start retard unit, but it is not approved for marine use. If it was, I would lock them out and use the retard unit. This way you don't have bushings that wear or springs that rust.

Re: Setting up an MSD Distributor
 

I run locked timing 32 with MSD hardware. I have 540,s Blown. Starting creeps when hot. Sometimes I have to click batterys to both. (Optima Bluetops).

My plan this season will be a MSD 121-8984. this is a retarder.
which backs down timing below 700rpm. Jegs has them for 89.00.

Gerry

Re: Setting up an MSD Distributor
 

Thanks guys. I will try the black bushing first.

Re: Setting up an MSD Distributor
 

I run mine locked as well. The small wire springs are fragile and I have seen them break over time. I have always run stock merc starters with no problems. My current motor is a 10:1 598 and the motor in my last boat was a 13:1 496.

Re: Setting up an MSD Distributor
 

I have the ability to have a start retard or not. I run the MSD Digital 6 Plus.
I have experimented in both "modes".
I presently run fully locked with a 9.2:1 comp ratio without the start retard feature.
I know it is not USCG approved but it is not mounted in the engine bay. Actually, it is fully "potted" like the marine unit.

www.msdignition.com/ignition_18_6520.htm

Re: Setting up an MSD Distributor
 

What I like about locking the timing is how quickly the motor fires. As soon as I touch the key it starts. I don't know what is worse for the starter cranking it over a couple of revs with less timing or loading it a little harder locked in and having it start immediately?

Re: Setting up an MSD Distributor
 

My buddy at MSD put it to me this way if your boat burns and you don't have the marine uscg MSD box the insurance could deny the claim.I didn't take the chance over 50-75 bucks

Re: Setting up an MSD Distributor
 

Rob if it burns make sure it takes the box with it. :D

Re: Setting up an MSD Distributor
 

And its in real deep water :eek:

Re: Setting up an MSD Distributor
 

Mine go. "click............................Brummmm!" Its that little
sudden pause that usually makes the passengers a little nervious when ya cant see land. :eek:

When one takes longer it usually means the cable is getting loose again on the optima.

Re: Setting up an MSD Distributor