MSD Ignition rusted
 

My MSD Ignition Cover is all rusty inside after 2 years of use. Does anyone know why this would happen? I bought the whole MSD setup for my motor (383 Stroker) and it was installed by the builder 2 years ago, the truck has never been driven in the rain, I do wash it but so does everyone.
It stays in the garage but I do live in a very humid area. The builder just called and said I should replace the whole distributor $175 plus labor.
I'm sick to my stomach.....
Any Ideas?

Re: MSD Ignition rusted
 

I am no engineer but I can tell you this can be a problem around high voltage ignitions . High voltage ionizes the air and creates ozone . Ozone is very corrosive to metals and will rust out anything metal around it . The ozone is the product of the high voltage msd .

One way to combat it it to drill some holes in the cap to vent it . This is a common thing that some do to combat it in the performance world . You can buy caps that already have holes and screens . The ones with screen are mostly used in the marine world .

In the end if you put a new one in it could do the same thing . If it were mine I would clean it up and drill some holes and see how it goes . Just google it and you will most likely find lot of info on it .

Re: MSD Ignition rusted
 

mine is the same way. talked to MSD its completely normal and has no effect on the ignition

Re: MSD Ignition rusted
 

I couldn't get it to start is why I took it to the builder. I have other motors without MSD and they don't do this.

Re: MSD Ignition rusted
 

I can't speak to your specific situation, but I can tell you that when I spoke to MSD about a different issue, I questioned them about my concern over my distributor being very rusty inside the cap. my truck is same as you, I don't drive it in rain and I never washed my motor. they said it was normal for rust to form and wouldn't affect function

also- why are you not running a vacuum advance?

Re: MSD Ignition rusted
 

Pick one of the brands on your other motors and install that. Looks like in your environment, the MSD model doesn't hold up. Go with something that is proven to last in your area.

Re: MSD Ignition rusted
 

I just bought a HEI setup and its being installed now, I hope that fixes the problem.
The cap was arcing across the contacts and it was missing and backfiring.
Vacuum advance?

Re: MSD Ignition rusted
 

My folks' did the same thing. When the shop contacted MSD they said they had a vented cap for wetter climates and they got that and put it in. No problems since then that I'm aware of. Sounds like you are already taking steps. FWIW, I'm in complete agreement with homemade87's no-cost/little-labor post above.

Re: MSD Ignition rusted
 

Yes a vacuum advance on the distributor. That distributor you posted a pic of does not have one. Does the new HEI setup have one?

It adds timing under part throttle conditions to improve drivablility.

Re: MSD Ignition rusted
 

I bought a MSD 6AL ignition controller, and MSD 85551 Distributor (pictured) and MSD Blaster 2 coil. To run the Ignition. I didn't build the engine but payed too much for sure.