Charlie.  If that’s the same vent I’m thinking of, that’s the one now being supplied on the current run of MSD caps.  I have the older MSD caps that had no venting at all.  Just having enough venting to rid the internal cap area of any residual moisture (of which humidity can be a big contributor) should be a big help.  On the Y with the distributor at the back where there is not as much movement of air due to being far from the fan, then the Y distributors would likely be more prone to any moisture issues that would accumlate within the cap.  Scrub engines likely suffer from the same scenario.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Ted,

Have you taken a look at the ventilation cap that comes on the Duraspark distributor cap? Maybe it can be fitted to the MSD cap. That should reduce the amount of moisture that can potentially make it inside the cap.


Lawrenceville, GA

I hear quite a few comments about internal corrosion within these distributors but haven’t experienced it myself although I have two vehicles with these distributors.  I’ve drilled extra holes in the distributor caps though for venting and that may be helping in that regard.   Ionization of the air within the cap is reportedly very high with these units which is why I drilled the additional holes in the outside circumference of the cap.  This is of course a two sided sword in that now the distributor can catch residual moisture from running through puddles, seeping from around the edges of the hood, through the radiator, or just washing the engine without adequately covering the ignition.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Has anyone had issues of internal rust with these units?  I've had mine in the car for 2.5(?) years now.  I opened it up last weekend to check my advance curve settings, and there was a lot of rust and corrosion below the mechanics in the base..  I couldn't even tell what spring was installed because they were all rusty.  Haven't had any problems with it running so I closed it back up. 

On another note, I had a blue spring and a light silver spring w/ the silver bushing.  Per a thread I read on here, I swapped out the silver one so now I'm both blue springs.  Seems to be running well, but can't tell if the change made any difference.

- John

John: Lake Forest, IL



'57 Fairlane 500 - Looking better every day.

ok ill definatly look around and thanks for the info about the box

I have one and they are great, but got mine for 275.00 from SK speed, near me. Shop it a bit !

Mike

 I'm on a Lowwwww Budget

Box not necessary. Just get a coil.

55Birdman  Hickory NC

well cool sounds like i will be budgeting the money out for one. so do i need the box too or just a coil.

I burnt out two pertronix units in my original dizzy before ponying up the cash for the MSD and man am I happy with it.  It comes with a bunch of curve tuning capabilities and when you dial it in it is just great.  Starts up first try every time, cant say I have been happier with anything else that I have done to the truck thus far.

You can read all of the problems I had up to getting the MSD in threads like, "it wont start", "keeping her running" and my personal favorite "from bad to worse, real fast".  Enjoy my misery.

1958 F100 292

"Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs."

"Chop your own wood, and it will warm you twice."

-Henry Ford

What an item is worth is a value judgement. If you think so then it is. I look at it as a way to upgrade my car to make it better than it was . Its just a matter of what to do first.  And everything costs money regardless of what it is. To me it is well worth the cost. I installed a MSD box before I did the distributor. I was amazed at the difference with the new ignition but I went ahead and got the distributor for my Grandparents day present and have had a good summer with it. The distributor works well .

55Birdman  Hickory NC