ive just installed the MSD kit and loom in my mk1 escort but it wont start,

i bought a brand new msd chip and their loom but instead of keeping the old-new module plugs i soldered the wires together as i didnt want the wad of unused connectors in the engine bay,

i get a couple if sparks when first cranking then nothing, also one of the ignition modules gets warm quickly and there is an almost constant spark on coil 1&4 but only a small spark,

its a level 8 ecu with a 4x4 wiring loom, ecu was tested on a m8's car before the conversion and ran fine,

ive checked the wiring to the ignition modules using this drawing and its the same




fuel pump is kicking in ok when cranking and i can smell fuel so pretty sure its injecting ok as well, coil pack is nearly new and known to be good, phase sensor is also new,

any ideas what else i need to check

 

Did you buy one new ignition module or 2, mine didnt run properly with the webber one so had to buy a second new one from MSD.


Also I wouldnt of soldered the wires as it interferes with the signal for certain sensors

 

soldering shouldnt cause an issue as ive only replaced the redundant plug and socket where the old ignition amp isnt needed by soldering the 5 cables together,

both ignition modules were second had and supplied by Gary at RS classics so hopefully they were tested and known good but anythings possible??

ive just tested every cable from the ecu multi plug to where it should go and all is good, phase sensor gap is set to 0.8mm, crank sensor looks ok as well,

i have a resistance of 683 ohms on the crank sensor between pins3-4 and 734 ohms between 5 &23 (phase sensor)

 

I would get new modules, everything I have bought off gary has been filthy dirty and a thermostat housing I got off him was f**ked and I could only use the front section as the rear part was too corroded to used


Buy 2 new modules from MSD and only solder the 2 wires together that they tell you to


What 5 cables are you talking about??

 

the small loom that msd supply connects into the existing ign amp socket but as they arent able to get the plugs to suit they supply a new plug and socket for the 5 wires, i just soldered them instead of replacing the plug

the ignition amps do look like they have been on the titanic for a while so that could be the next thing to try

 

Those wires are not meant to be soldered, the first thing I would do is cut out the solder and redo them with the connectors, it does make a difference otherwise they wouldnt give you a plug in the first place they would say solder them in, the next thing I would try would be the modules.... trust me mate

 

ok m8, thanks for the advice, ill cut the loom open and have a go

 

No problem mate, let me know how you get on

 

spoke to stu at MSD today and he seemed to think that it partly pointed towards phase sensor fault, ive regapped it to 0.25mm, checked the polarity is correct ad adjusted the dizzy slightly so its spot on at tdc,

fault is still the same so have to wait for the 2 new ign amps to arrive and then fingers crossed

the wires that were soldered are the earth, live, and ecu signals, plus the tacho trigger

 

small update, 2 new ignition amps fitted and now all i get is one spark when the ignition is first switched on,

crank sensor tested and working fine, phase sensor readjusted and checked and is set correctly,

wiring loom split tested and all spot on,

 

Check earth on ignition amps to inlet manifold earth.

 

thanks but sorted over a year ago, turned out to be bottom pulley had a hairline crack and the L8 ecu was a lot more fussy than the L6

 

Lol i should look at the dates.....