henry172

iTrader: (2)

After trying to solve my kick back and low rpm miss for a few months now I have decided to remove my MSD opti for closer examination. When I say kick back I mean the engine is firing so incorrectly that it is kicking back and blowing my starters apart on start up. Only components I have not changed are the coil and ICM, But If they were not working correctly the car should not start at all; I don't think either could cause the motor to kick back on start up. Is there anything I should specifically look for when I remove the optispark and take the cap off?

VinR1

iTrader: (17)

since you havent swapped ICM yet, may not hurt to get it tested before you dig into the opti... most NapAutO'reilly places will check it for free

Gojira94

iTrader: (4)

I've never diddled one of the MSD billet optis. Did you "adjust" the spark advance with the set screw in it? Like, off enough to cause your problem, maybe? Just a thought.

henry172

iTrader: (2)

Yes I think testing the ICM is be a good decision; I have a 1997 1500 5.7 truck that has the same ICM, I may just swap them over before I dig the opti out. I never messed with the screw because I was told by a few people that it could cause the opti to fail if I do.

RamAir95TA

iTrader: (2)

That's the problem with the screw - since it has no markings you don't know exactly what you're doing or to tell if it's even been moved. A very poor "innovation" on MSDs part, IMO.

henry172

iTrader: (2)

Yep the timing screw should not be played with, but I have been told it should be two turns out. I am thinking my rotor is rubbing on the inside of the opti, causing my problem at idle and kick back issue.

3DFORMULA

iTrader: (4)

this is what was wrong with my old MSD. Also has been a common problem a few years back when they first came out. Surely it has been corrected by now I would think

henry172

iTrader: (2)

We will soon find out.

ChandlerMotorsports

iTrader: (3)

If it comes down to it, you can order one of our cap and rotor kits. If it solves your problem you can keep it otherwise send it back. They're under $30 shipped. Just mention I said you could send it back without a restocking on ls1tech.

henry172

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the offer, but when I took everything apart I found it looked like new inside. I cleaned up the rotor and checked the msd timing screw; it was not set to what a MSD tech told me it should be set to. So I screwed it all the way in and backed it out two full turns like the MSD tech said it should be set to. It is no longer kicking back and fighting with the starter, but the idle is not 100% smooth; its good just not as smooth as I would like. So I picked up a MSD 6al box with the harness for my car for $100, hope the 6al box helps create a more perfect idle.

RamAir95TA

iTrader: (2)

There is no benefit to running an aftermarket ignition on a modest N/A LT1. Many times they are more trouble than they are worth.

henry172

iTrader: (2)

This is what I have been told by a most people, but a couple people have also said it will smooth out the idle some. For $100 I figured I could always put it up for sale and I will not be out too much if anything.