MSD Opti... car won't start
12-21-2006, 11:48 PM
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MSD Opti... car won't start Alright, so I finally installed my new MSD Opti, head gaskets, and electric water pump. Went to start it, and it won't. Fires for a second, looks like it revs to about 1500, then dies. Tried it a few times, same thing every time. Has an odd smell, too. Can't identify what it is, though. Car sounds sorta funny for the time its on, but can't tell what it sounds like. Has been a month since its fired, so I know it needs to move the oil around (already coated the rockers and everything). Anyone have any ideas as to why it won't start? Opti is brand new. From what I've been told, you can't really install it the wrong way. If anyone can give me some suggestions, I'd really appreciate it. Need to be on the road in the morning, if at all possible. Thanks in advance!
12-22-2006, 12:25 AM
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Tried... sorta starts. Sounds like a vacuum leak, but I checked, and they are all good. Even the one to the opti. Funny thing is, when I pulled out the original opti, I noticed that the vacuum and vent lines to it were disconnected.. turns out, they have been for nearly a year. Now the new one, with vacuum line, won't run.
The third try, it wouldn't fire at all. 4th try, I held the throttle open... it tried to rev up, but I shut it down when it hit 2500... was shaking and stuttering like no tomorrow. Didn't sound too healthy. Still has a somewhat odd smell to it, but not too bad... the exhaust smell in the garage pretty much covers everything else up. Anything else? All the wires look good.
The third try, it wouldn't fire at all. 4th try, I held the throttle open... it tried to rev up, but I shut it down when it hit 2500... was shaking and stuttering like no tomorrow. Didn't sound too healthy. Still has a somewhat odd smell to it, but not too bad... the exhaust smell in the garage pretty much covers everything else up. Anything else? All the wires look good.
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12-22-2006, 12:47 PM
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Alright, thanks. I'll pull the plugs and wires again when I get back in town Monday. I'll check the gaps, but what should I use to clean them? Anyone know how to check the coil?
12-22-2006, 01:16 PM
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If the car is starting and just dying, then I doubt it's a bad wire. But that's the first thing to check since it's free. If it was a bad plug/wire, you would probably just have a misfire.
I'd go back through all the steps and make sure everything is connected
I'd go back through all the steps and make sure everything is connected
12-22-2006, 08:51 PM
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On your MSD there is a screw to control the timing. It is supposed to be factory set, but in the process of installing it, it is possible that you indavertently moved the setting out of adjustment. Get a long screw driver and reset the screw to the factory timing. If you still have the same problem you have likely either installed your spark plug wires incorrectly or you have somehow installed the distributor in the wrong position (and yes, it can be done if you aren't careful). If none of this works look at the fuel supply.
12-26-2006, 11:36 AM
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I bought one for my 96 ss and they dont come ready to install. Turn the timing srew so it seats and then turn it two times out. You should be able to get to it with a short sockets and a wobble.