Troubleshooting – MSD 6560 6M-2L Marine Certified Ignition with Rev Limit Installation User Manual
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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
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TROUBLESHOOTING
Every MSD Ignition undergoes numerous quality control checks including a four hour burn-in test. If
you experience a problem with your MSD, our research has shown that the majority of problems are
due to improper installation or poor connections.
The Troubleshooting section has several checks and tests you can perform to ensure proper installation
and operation of the MSD. If you have any questions concerning your MSD, call our Customer Support
Department at (915) 855-7123, 7-6 mountain time.
TACH/FUEL ADAPTERS
If your tachometer does not operate correctly or if you experience a no-run situation with your foreign
vehicle you probably need an MSD Tach Adapter. The chart below lists common tachometers and if
an Adapter is necessary.
INOPERATIVE TACHOMETERS
If your tachometer fails to operate with the MSD installed you may need an MSD Tach Adapter. Before
getting an Adapter, try connecting your tachometer trigger wire to the tach output terminal on the
side of the MSD. This output produces a 12 volt, square wave (see page 2). If the tach still does not
operate, you will need a Tach Adapter. There are three Tach Adapters:
PN 8920: If you are using the Magnetic pickup connector (Green and Violet wires) to trigger the MSD,
you will need the PN 8920.
PN 8910: If your tachometer was triggered from the coil negative terminal (voltage trigger) and you
are using the White wire to trigger the MSD you will need the PN 8910. This is for use on non-current
limiting ignitions, originally equipped with a ballast resistor.
PN8910-EIS: When using the White wire of the MSD, but on ignition systems that limit the current
(non-ballast resistor equipped).
Tachometer Compatibility List
AFTERMARKET TACHOMETER
WHITE WIRE TRIGGER
MAGNETIC TRIGGER CONNECTOR
AUTOGAGE
8910
8920
AUTOMETER
NONE
NONE
FORD MOTORSPORTS
NONE
NONE
MALLORY
NONE
NONE
MOROSO
NONE
NONE
STEWART
8910
8920
S.W. & BI TORX
NONE
NONE
SUN
8910
8920
VDO
NONE
NONE
CHRYSLER
8910
8920
FORD (Before 1976)
8910
8920
FORD (After 1976)
8910
8920
GENERAL MOTORS
Bypass In-Line Filter
Bypass In-line filter
IMPORTS
8910
8920
Note: On the list above, the trigger wire on tachometers that are marked NONE may be connected to the
Tach Output Terminal on the MSD 6 Series Ignition Unit using the supplied Female Faston Receptacle.