I installed the MSD 6AL ingition in my 70 Skylark and I seem to be having the run-on condition. According to MSD the diode needs installed inline in the number 4 wire that hooks to the voltage regulator. I had to never use one on any other of my Buicks and now I need one. Anyone have one they don't use they are willing to sell?
100V/1A Diode, goes inline with #4 (brown wire) at voltage regulator. Be sure to install correctly (flow) usualaly the diode has a color band or marking at the end which is (flow out)
Thanks Mark. I was reading the MSD forum and a few guys put one from Radio Shack in their GM cars and had trouble. I couldn't find the correct voltage on the stock diode and didn't want the GEN light to stay on. This is funny as I had the 6AL on several cars and never needed the diode. This (70) is the only one I had do it. I also seen Kevin's car do the same thing the other night.
It's quirky but those fussy eletrons are sometimes unpredictable :laugh: Radio Snatch does not ever have the correct one. Order from MSD direct.
Trouble is my setup is 20 years old and since I never needed the diode before,it was put somewhere else. I guess I'll have to contact MSD. I just figured someone had one laying around and would sell for cheap...
I have used the ones at radio shack for this purpose as well as other elecrical projects, however you have to find them yourself, the counter help is usually clueless, that is unless you want to buy a cell phone.... lol.
I only encountered this problem when switching from an external regulated alternator to an internal. Old geezer at the alternator shop put "a diode" on it and all was well.
Hey watch what you are saying. I too am an old geezer at an alternator shop. When us old geezers are gone you young pups will be scratching your a$$ for days and spending big $$$ on something we fix for a couple of bucks in a few minutes. I do want to thank you for using one of us OGs and I'll bet you are glad you did. :rant:
Pat- If you need a quick fix, just take out the alt idiot indicator light bulb and it will shut off every time.
I was not using old geezer as a derogatory term. Also judging by your post count you know nothing about me. I can assure you I'll be just fine.:beers2:
Gee Pat, I just went down to the garage to see what size diode you need in my MSD instructions. Those bozo's don't list the power of the diode.:rant: Mine is all taped up on my car, so I can't read the color code on it. Next time I'm over at my buddies shop I'll get one (unless he tossed um all out). He hardly ever needs them. The radio shack units will be fine IF you know what power range you need. You can go larger (greater power capabilities), but NOT smaller or it will burn up.:Smarty:
Well, apparently this diode is an elusive piece..I did manage to contact a tech on the MSD forums and like Mark stated,it is a 100v/1A diode. So, off I went to Radio Shack. They had all different sizes but none in my range or even bigger. So then it was an email to MSD. Seems they don't really sell them individually tp people. I then started looking on Ebay but can't find any there. I did manage to locate some in bulk(100 or more) for cheap,but what the heck will I do with 99 left over??? :laugh: :laugh: So, now the plan is to call the local electronic store and see hat I can come up with. If that fails, out comes the bulb then. I am currently dropping the manual shift pattern TH 400 and putting a forward pattern TH 400 in and then I am doing a carb swap and rebuild on the Maggot,in hopes to actually pull it to the track in the next couple weekends and give it a run...Finally...
Send me your address and I will mail you one or 2 in case you booger it up or have a friend that needs one. the diodes are free, but the shipping is 44 cents. I hope you realize I am joking about the shipping cost, some people don't realize old geezers sometimes like to have a little fun.
I'm sure you will be fine, especially since you made a quality decision to see an old geezer. Judging by my post count you know even less about me. In a few years I will be sitting on the back porch. Come visit, I will supply the :beers2:
Another option (I have used) is to check with any local car stereo/alarm shops. They usually have diodes that would work. Its not nessesary for it to be exactly the same as the one MSD uses. Its just a 1 way check valve for current.
In the mail 2 1 amp and 2 3 amp I would use the 3 amp, but either should work. Let me know how it goes. Mark
