MSD ignition run on - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Jamey · 05-18-2008, 06:13 PM

I just installed a 6AL and pro billet distributor on my 69 Camaro. It has the original style alternator with the external regulator. The car continues to run on after the key has been shut off. I’ve been through the install guide and the trouble shooting steps. I put the diode in right where the appropriate wire comes out of the alternator. Then it will shut off, but the indicator lamp in the car stays lit, regardless of the engine RPM, and the voltage meter in the cars stays only at about 12 volts at idle and 12.5 volts at higher RPM. It’s typically a couple volts higher than that. I’ve used a meter on the connections on either end of the diode. There isn’t much current downstream of the diode. I’ve verified that it’s installed in the correct position/direction. I’ve also replaced the diode with a ballast resistor (two post style). With the ballast resistor, the car won’t shut off again. The only thing I can think of is that I’m not installing the diode in the correct location?

I really need some help here. I’m about ready to chuck the whole thing. I’ve wasted my entire weekend on this.

CatiaJockey · 05-18-2008, 08:10 PM

By continues to run do you mean its like you did not turn off the switch? Or does it cough sputter and half assed run for a few seconds? Verify that you are using switched 12 volt power to the unit controls. Check your timing carefully if you pulled the existing distributor and replaced it. One tooth off will cause you fits!

Jamey · 05-19-2008, 05:26 AM

No, I mean it continues to run like the key is on. I turned it off and waited 2 minutes and it showed no sign off shutting down. It isn't sputtering or dieseling, it's running. The timing is correct. I've checked it a couple of times.

I understand that this is a common problem on older cars. I've followed the troubleshooting recommendations w/ no success so far.

CatiaJockey · 05-19-2008, 05:39 AM

First thing is to make sure that the 12v thats is supposed to be switched is indeed going to 0 volts when the key is off. Thats about the only thing that will keep it running like you describle. It takes fuel and fire to make the engine run, remove just one of them and she's dead as a hammer.

Jamey · 05-19-2008, 06:11 AM

The switched power source is the lead that previously went to the positive side of the coil. It goes dead when the key is off. The issue is that the 6AL is connected directly to the battery, and apparently there is a very small amount of current that feeds the alternator indicator lamp inside the car that is enough to keep the box firing.

NVMY68SS · 05-19-2008, 11:00 AM

And you did install the diode inline from terminal 4 of the voltage regulator out to the charging indicator lamp?

Jamey · 05-19-2008, 11:55 AM

No I didn't. The wiring diagram in the technical data doesn't show exactly where to put it, just says between the alternator and the light. I put it right outside the alternator and that didn't work.

If you've had to do this, how do you connect the diode? Maybe I'm thick here, but I really expected to find something in the package of stuff w/ the MSD box with wire ends that I could just splice in w/ butt connectors.

Jamey · 05-19-2008, 04:01 PM

No, I did not. The wiring diagram from MSD leaves a lot to be desired. I know which wire coming out of the alternator would let it shut off when I tured the key off, so I pout the diode into that line, right outside of the alternator.

If you've done this before, how do you splice in the diode? Solder it? Anywhere in the wire that comes out from pin 4?

Jamey · 05-19-2008, 08:01 PM

Here's the solution. Thanks for your help.

05-18-2008, 06:13 PM	#1
Jamey Drives: Blue 1969 w/ 850 hp 540 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Naples Posts: 30	MSD ignition run on I just installed a 6AL and pro billet distributor on my 69 Camaro. It has the original style alternator with the external regulator. The car continues to run on after the key has been shut off. I’ve been through the install guide and the trouble shooting steps. I put the diode in right where the appropriate wire comes out of the alternator. Then it will shut off, but the indicator lamp in the car stays lit, regardless of the engine RPM, and the voltage meter in the cars stays only at about 12 volts at idle and 12.5 volts at higher RPM. It’s typically a couple volts higher than that. I’ve used a meter on the connections on either end of the diode. There isn’t much current downstream of the diode. I’ve verified that it’s installed in the correct position/direction. I’ve also replaced the diode with a ballast resistor (two post style). With the ballast resistor, the car won’t shut off again. The only thing I can think of is that I’m not installing the diode in the correct location? I really need some help here. I’m about ready to chuck the whole thing. I’ve wasted my entire weekend on this.

05-18-2008, 08:10 PM	#2
CatiaJockey Drives: 2010 2LT RS Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Ocean Springs, Ms Posts: 2,799 View My Garage	By continues to run do you mean its like you did not turn off the switch? Or does it cough sputter and half assed run for a few seconds? Verify that you are using switched 12 volt power to the unit controls. Check your timing carefully if you pulled the existing distributor and replaced it. One tooth off will cause you fits! __________________

05-19-2008, 05:39 AM	#4
CatiaJockey Drives: 2010 2LT RS Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Ocean Springs, Ms Posts: 2,799 View My Garage	First thing is to make sure that the 12v thats is supposed to be switched is indeed going to 0 volts when the key is off. Thats about the only thing that will keep it running like you describle. It takes fuel and fire to make the engine run, remove just one of them and she's dead as a hammer. __________________

05-19-2008, 08:01 PM	#9
Jamey Drives: Blue 1969 w/ 850 hp 540 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Naples Posts: 30	Here's the solution. Thanks for your help. Attached Images

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
So what should the Camaro run in the 1/4? 0-60?	elvism	Camaro V8 LS3 / L99 Engine, Exhaust, and Bolt-Ons	15	12-01-2007 01:25 PM
Something no one has noticed? Ignition Switch.	Mr. Wyndham	5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions	67	08-16-2007 02:34 PM
canonball poker run?	boxmonkeyracing	Off-topic Discussions	0	10-15-2006 02:06 PM

05-19-2008, 05:26 AM	#3
Jamey Drives: Blue 1969 w/ 850 hp 540 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Naples Posts: 30	No, I mean it continues to run like the key is on. I turned it off and waited 2 minutes and it showed no sign off shutting down. It isn't sputtering or dieseling, it's running. The timing is correct. I've checked it a couple of times. I understand that this is a common problem on older cars. I've followed the troubleshooting recommendations w/ no success so far.

05-19-2008, 06:11 AM	#5
Jamey Drives: Blue 1969 w/ 850 hp 540 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Naples Posts: 30	The switched power source is the lead that previously went to the positive side of the coil. It goes dead when the key is off. The issue is that the 6AL is connected directly to the battery, and apparently there is a very small amount of current that feeds the alternator indicator lamp inside the car that is enough to keep the box firing.

05-19-2008, 11:00 AM	#6
NVMY68SS Drives #296 Drives: 1968 Camaro SS - 350/5 Speed Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Smithfield, NC Posts: 953	And you did install the diode inline from terminal 4 of the voltage regulator out to the charging indicator lamp?

05-19-2008, 11:55 AM	#7
Jamey Drives: Blue 1969 w/ 850 hp 540 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Naples Posts: 30	No I didn't. The wiring diagram in the technical data doesn't show exactly where to put it, just says between the alternator and the light. I put it right outside the alternator and that didn't work. If you've had to do this, how do you connect the diode? Maybe I'm thick here, but I really expected to find something in the package of stuff w/ the MSD box with wire ends that I could just splice in w/ butt connectors.

05-19-2008, 04:01 PM	#8
Jamey Drives: Blue 1969 w/ 850 hp 540 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Naples Posts: 30	No, I did not. The wiring diagram from MSD leaves a lot to be desired. I know which wire coming out of the alternator would let it shut off when I tured the key off, so I pout the diode into that line, right outside of the alternator. If you've done this before, how do you splice in the diode? Solder it? Anywhere in the wire that comes out from pin 4?