HI i have just installed a brand new msd pro billet dissy when i go to check my total advance which is set at 38 deg it wont sit stable on the balancer it is bouncing around inbetween 36-40 degs,i have the heavy silver springs installed that come with kit
I am not useing dial back timing light just conventional timing light this is annoying me big time ,im scared when i go to use nitrous it will be over advancing on my new zz454 crate motor also running digi 6 box if that helps ,i know that the old mallory points disyies used to do this problem .you would not expect this from msd product thanks

The first thing I'd do is to check the timing with a different timing light that is known to be of good quality. If the results repeat, then I'd dig into it a bit further, beginning with a call to MSD tech.

I agree with Al. Some timing lights have a rought time with MSD and Capacitive <sp> discharge ignitions.

The first thing I'd do is to check the timing with a different timing light that is known to be of good quality. If the results repeat, then I'd dig into it a bit further, beginning with a call to MSD tech.

HI thanks 4 info i thought it might have been inside the dissy bouncing on the stop causing iractact readings on balancer,have inital timming set at 16 deg which sits dead stable on balancer at idle ,my timming light brand is optulux are they any good?

Here's a quote from the MSD trouble shooting section.

"Check the polarity of the magnetic pickup wires. The correct polarity is whichever connection that gives the most retarded timing."

What this means is that your box may be wired backwards inside from the factory. I have seen that and it causes major timing fluctuations. Use jumper wires or cut one of the leads and flip the pickup wires to see which way is correct.

Just another thought, does your light have a dial back feature and are you using it? Its true that some lights cannot keep up well to some of the MSD stuff...its also true that some dial back lights are not all that accurate either to begin with. Ive heard that the only really accurate dial back lights are the snap on and Mac tools dial back light. Those are pricey units so I havent invested in one just to see how much better/consistantly accurate those actually are. But, what Im getting it as if you are using a dial back feature, it may be less than accurate, so get some tape and check timing again without the dial back feature and see if the results change. Compare it with another light too and make sure that both of them will work with your particular msd system. If everything checks out good but timing is still funny, than its time to dig further. Id just start by going through the simple stuff first before you spend a any time on the phone and/or taking stuff apart cause it may simply be one issue or another with your current light.

I have an MSD 8555 billet dstributor with mechanical advance that has a slightly eratic timing thanks to my lopey idle camshaft. Maybe it's possible that your timing chain has excessive slack, but I wouldn't be to concerned.
How stable is the timing when you bring the rpm up a grand or so..?

I have an MSD 8555 billet dstributor with mechanical advance that has a slightly eratic timing thanks to my lopey idle camshaft. Maybe it's possible that your timing chain has excessive slack, but I wouldn't be to concerned.
How stable is the timing when you bring the rpm up a grand or so..?

HI BlackoutSteve i have fixed timing problems ,found out when useing msd super conductor leads the trick is to use one normal carbon lead on your number one cylinder that your timing light is cliped onto that way you will get a stable reading on your total advance figure it worked a treat it was driving me mad it was stable on intial timing figure then when reved it to 3000rpm total advance it was all over the place ,couldnt even get info to use carbon lead to check total advance on the msd techline ,no one new how to fix me proplem what u recon ?
I Thought instructoins will tell everyone that trick very slack indeed for msd indeed ,and the flexible boots on the end off the super conductor leads are rubbish never buy another set u cant tell weither they are on the spark plugs propley they fall off all the time ,mates leads did the same ,ment to be top of the range absolute rubbish ,what u think off msd products ? thanks 4 reply

If you havent fixed your problem, think of this. Someone mentioned it , your timing is irratic due to some slack in chain or weights? But your motor is new?
As for the dial back lites,, MSD says not to use them if you are running their ignition boxes,, why? Chemosabe. Its in the instructions.