I am new to this site and just want to say hello to all. I have been having a problem with my MSD Ignition 8529 Distributor, it keeps burning out on me, My 1970 W-30 has been completely refurbished with a complete frame off restoration. The original W-30 455 engine was beyond repair so I had to work with 1971 455 block, I used Edelbrock Oldsmobile 400-455 Performer RPM Aluminum Cylinder Head 77CC with comp roller cam and my aluminum w-30 intake manifold, I installed a MSD Ignition 8529 Distributor and everything was good, the Motor was running fine and was is strong, But I keep having a problem with my distributor burning out, I checked all my grounds and everything looks good. I am on my third rebuild kit for my distributor now. Can anyone help me out with this problem?

 

Are you running a full 12v to the coil? Did you use the dielectric grease supplied with the repair kit? Some electronic distributors don't like voltage spikes, is your charging system working properly?

 

I have not checked the voltage output yet, I will check it out as soon as I get back home, I was told by some other muscle car mechanics that it sounds like it’s my electrical system is chasing a ground since I am running aluminum heads?. I checked all my ground straps and made sure they are connected properly, I even run my negative cable from my battery to my frame, ground strap from my frame to my engine block and ground strap from the frame to car body, one from the head to my firewall. Not sure why aluminum heads would have anything to do with my distributor burning out? It only makes sense that it would be the charging system since the car is well grounded.
Thank you oldcutlass for the information and your help.

 

Find new "mechanics". This is total BS. Aluminum is a better conductor than cast iron. The only potential issue is if you are running the ground cable to the head and have corrosion there.

More to the point, since your MSD is not stock, we don't really know how it's supposed to be connected. Without the MSD wiring instructions, it's hard to provide useful information.

 

I had a similar problem with the same distributor. I Called Msd and sent it back. Had it back 2 weeks later, ran new wire to get full 12v. No problems now

 

Here's a link, it's a 4 wire hookup with tach. Pretty simple.

http://static.summitracing.com/globa...9_frm30253.pdf

 

Thanks for the information guys, you all have been a big help.

 

ok now that the smart guys helped you out, give the dummies like me some more pics of your car to look at. Is that agean aqua?

 

I'm thinking Reef Turquois.

 

Its Reef Turquois, This W-30 has been in our family since day one. I hav 25 or so pics in my photo album her on this site.
My wife and I stripped the car down to the frame, removed everything from the frame and blasted it to the bear metal. It took us 14 months to complete the restoration, Buddy Rice in Oklahoma City did all the motor and transmission work for me.