ziff396

Okay, so last year I went to adjust my timing and when I went to turn the distributor- ZAP. After 2 more times of this, I need help. I am running 2 engine ground wires to the firewall, and 1 body to frame ground. Core support is also done along with the aluminum radiator. Engine runs fine.
2 year old MSD wires, (1,000) miles. HEI Summit distributor, 50k volt. The first year, I had no problems. Any ideas?
Thanks Again!

Beob

I know that current takes the path of least resistance, for some reason it finds your hand to have less resistance than the cap, rotor, wires and plugs. one of those might be defective. What thickness wire and whats plug gap? If everything looks good wear a rubber glove.
Thanks for the advice as to what plugs to use with the ebrock heads.

MDchanic

You've got a leak.

They're usually from the wires, but cracks or carbon trails in the cap could do it too.

Check the cap very carefully for flaws, and maybe just replace it (here's one for $5.34 - fine for testing and emergency use, I'm sure), and consider changing the wires (maybe get a set of regular old AC Delco wires).
If the wires leak, you really can't see it most of the time.
If you had an old Sun machine, you might be able to notice one or two cylinders not getting up to full voltage.
Another possible trick is to get the car in a pitch black place and run the motor and look for tiny sparks.

- Eric

380 Racer

If you have a good set of MSD wires, they aren't leaking.

Rickman48

Wear clothes and rubber shoes, and only use 1 hand, and you shouldn't get zapped!
No ground - no zapping!!
Or hold hands w/the wife, while she touches the the car!
And then the fight started - - - -

ziff396

I am running MSD Helycore 8mm Solid suppression wires. The distributor ends were factory applied. Plug gap is .044. Hey, I just went out and dry ran how I adjust the timing and found that I have a habit of leaning on the master cylinder with my arm. Direct ground? I still havn't fired her up for the spring, as it is still a little cold here in Michigan. We've had some warm weather, but this week is only going to be in the 30's with a chance of snow. I've got the spring itch to go for a drive. Maybe in a week or two.

Mike77

Crack in the cap? Wire to coil/distributor cracked. Carbon tracking? Something is causing the high voltage to short through you. Or as electricians say,

One hand in pockey no get shocky.

Sorry, early Sunday morning thats the best I could do!

Mike

Rickman48

Mike - that was bad!!
Go to church, or something!!