Ignition issues365BB

For what it's worth, I replaced a failed Dinoplex on my 365 Boxer with an MSD6A years ago, and installed Accel plug wires. Car performed perfectly with this combination, no problems.

Well Gents...She's on the road, again.

There were several issues that were contributing to the plug fouling, erratic spark problems.

Despite my desire to go back to the OE Ferrari wires and resistor extenders, much frustration proved this to be the incorrect path. I sent my wires and extenders to Magnacore for testing and evaluation. Their conclusion was that despite the obvious...poor crimps, open wires, high resistance wires and evidence of arcing on the extenders...that due to their inherent design, coupled with the compression and MSD unit so equipped, that the problems I was expereincing were inevitable.

I had them make me up a new set of ignition cables, without the OE extenders, from their KV 8.5mm wire...utilizing the OE looms.

I replaced the MSD unit with a new, known to be good 7AL-2. This solved the erratic spark problem when the engine got hot.

Per the advise of NGK, I replaced the plugs with one heat range colder, now BP7ES...with a gap of .035" to make the MSD unit "happy". I have on order the BPR7EIX plugs (iridum wire type). NGK and MSD cautioned against using the platinum plugs, as the MSDs' high voltage can "puddle" the electrode. The Iridum plug is not subject to such failures.

Long and short, I was finally able to get the carbs tuned very, very closely without a plug fouling. Truly a big deal!!

The 15km ride proved to be equally exciting...I had forgotten just how potent these cars can be...and there's only 40km on the new engine!

I truly appreciate all the help and support...!

Regards,
David

David,

First..BRAVO and CONGRATS!!!!!!

It's great to see resolution to problems! And I want to thank you for choosing Ferrari-Talk to help sort out the problems and work thru the issues. It's your excellent results and feedback that allows all of us to learn from the problems & experiences of others.

Thank you for the excellent feedback and congrats again on your results!!


>>Their conclusion was that despite the obvious...poor crimps, open wires, high resistance wires <<

sadly I've seen many issues with the OE Cavis wires myself.

>>without the OE extenders,<<

curious as why the OE extenders were inadequate?

>>with a gap of .035" to make the MSD unit "happy". <<

Very Interesting!!!

<< NGK and MSD cautioned against using the platinum plugs, as the MSDs' high voltage can "puddle" the electrode. The Iridum plug is not subject to such failures. <<

Again, VERY INTERESTING and duly noted for future reference!

Congrats Again, and thanks for the excellent, valuable feedback!!

Regards, JRV

JRV,
Th issue with the OE extenders, according to Magnacore, is that thet barely cover the porcelan end of the spark plug....So, if there is any moisure down in the hole, or even if it's a high humidity day, they felt that the spark could potentially jump an alternate path to ground. In a way this does make some sense to me, particulary since the extender on the BB does not seal around the plug. Another area of concern was the dielectric properties of the extenders themselves...I beleve that the mere presence of the MSD and the higher compression of my engine exaserbates this problem.

Conversations with MSD and NGK were more interesting...The folks at NGK were pure gearheads, who really knew their stuff. They cautioned against open their plug gaps wider that .008-.010" from the original "default factory setting". Their reasoning was that the ground electrode geometery is compromised by going any wider...and you take the risk of breaking off the electrode!

MSD wants a wide, wide gap to get the maximum spark out of their box, with the trade off being potentially accelerated cap/rotor wear. Pardon my moment of "cheapness", but I'll sacrifice a few kv of maximum spark, considering what the cap and rotor cost for this car! As a result, I opened the gap to gain some spark output, yet not enough to be detrimental to NGKs requirements.

Your new board is a very valuable reference to myself and other F-car ownners. I strongly believe that the caliber of owner, desire, mechanical ability and questions posed here are more "substantial" in nature.

Regards,

David

David,

btw: how did you like the Magnacor wires?

JR,
To be very candid, I'm amazed that the wires were the problem...I just had a tough time believing that the OE wires were so bad, despite being new. The car runs so well now that I just can't believe it! Magnacore was a true pleasure to deal with....A simple phone call, sent them the wires..a few e-mails with pictures...and two weeks later, the wire set arrived. Fitment is good, the quality of the wires and crimps is outstanding. It was a bit more difficult to get the ends on the plugs, but I could hear and feel when a secure connection was made...

Truly appreciate your help and support!

A couple of pictures of the finnished?? product: