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how long do MSD caps last?

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Old 07-29-2004, 04:43 AM
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Default how long do MSD caps last?

Well my accord is having some hesitation with starting.
I have 90 accord auto
msd 6al with blaster coil2
msd cap

I just replaced the rotor about 2,000 miles ago. I think my cap might be going out cause i've had it for well over 35-40,000miles

is there a way to test?
I don't want to order a $45 msd cap only to find out it wasn't the problem.

Old 07-29-2004, 04:48 AM
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Default Re: how long do MSD caps last? (ApexiChild)

im not sure the way to test, sure there is a way, but prob requires a machine, i think kragen or pep boys has the machines where you put in and it tests it, but suprised your MSD lasted that long, my experiences with friends and so on, the break alot, esp with the more mods you have in your engine
Old 07-29-2004, 04:56 AM
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Default Re: how long do MSD caps last? (ApexiChild)

How do the contacts on the inside look? I don't think there is an actual way of testing them. I could be wrong though.
Old 07-29-2004, 05:02 AM
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Default Re: how long do MSD caps last? (TouringAccord)

Well the car drives fine with no noticable loss of power or bouncing tach. But when you start it; you have to crank it twice. It use to be that I bearly needed to crank/turn the key and BAMM! the car would fire up with the quickness.....

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TouringAccord &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">How do the contacts on the inside look? I don't think there is an actual way of testing them. I could be wrong though.</TD></TR></TABLE>

well last time i looked at it when i took off my burnt rotor ( ) there was some light green stuff on it... kinda like mold....

I used a flat-head driver to scrape off what i could. If the new rotor i installed was wearing out the <U>contacts</U> would it show the rotor teeth marks?
Old 07-29-2004, 05:09 AM
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Default Re: how long do MSD caps last? (ApexiChild)

If I remember correctly the MSD cap have copper contacts right? And doesn't copper turn like a greenish color when it starts to oxidize and corrode? Not saying thats your problem but you've had that cap for quite a while, it probably would hurt to replace it anyways.
Old 07-29-2004, 05:24 AM
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Default Re: how long do MSD caps last? (TouringAccord)

Correct. msd caps do use copper contacts.

What do OEM caps use for their contacts points?

Old 07-29-2004, 06:04 AM
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Default Re: how long do MSD caps last? (Charlie Moua)

I don't know. They are silver/grey in color though. So maybe some sort of nickle or something, not sure.
Old 07-29-2004, 06:30 AM
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Default Re: how long do MSD caps last? (TouringAccord)

hows your fuel filter? whens the last time that was done? it could be that or your injectors also
Old 07-29-2004, 06:35 AM
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Default Re: how long do MSD caps last? (BIGGrUmpYBUTT)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BIGGrUmpYBUTT &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">hows your fuel filter? whens the last time that was done? it could be that or your injectors also</TD></TR></TABLE>


my accord has about 196k on it....
Old 07-29-2004, 06:47 AM
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Default Re: how long do MSD caps last? (BIGGrUmpYBUTT)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BIGGrUmpYBUTT &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">hows your fuel filter?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Thats a major PITA to do. Was relatively easy when the motor was out of my Accord but I wouldn't want to do it with the motor still in there.

OT: I'm glad my Civics fuel filter is located high on the fire wall making it easy to replace.
Old 07-29-2004, 06:49 AM
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Default Re: how long do MSD caps last? (TouringAccord)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TouringAccord &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Thats a major PITA to do. Was relatively easy when the motor was out of my Accord but I wouldn't want to do it with the motor still in there.

OT: I'm glad my Civics fuel filter is located high on the fire wall making it easy to replace.</TD></TR></TABLE>


where is it located?
picture or diagram would help?

it is like a 17mm banjo bolt like the civic/integra?
Old 07-29-2004, 06:51 AM
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Default Re: how long do MSD caps last? (ApexiChild)

It's located at the bottom of the firewall on the driver side of the car. It basically sits just above the rear beam of the front subframe and at the corner of the firewall and side of egine bay.

I'll see if I can find a picture.
Old 07-29-2004, 06:55 AM
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Default Re: how long do MSD caps last? (ApexiChild)

Look inside the cap, if the contacts look like they got some green crystals growing. Its time to replace the cap. I have noticed with my msd stuff, the caps last about 10-15k. Really depends on where you live. Humidity is a big factor here. In drier parts they may last longer. You can probably take a pocket knife and scrape the contacts and remove most of the corrosion and get some more life out of the cap though. I would recommend in the future always replaciong the cap and rotor together though. Because if both are bad and you replace only one, you have just ruined the new one in no time.
Old 07-29-2004, 07:10 AM
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Default Re: how long do MSD caps last? (TouringAccord)

I searched but couldn't find anything other than this. It doesn't show much but it might help.

You can see where it bend up is where it starts coming into the engine bay. As you can see, it doesn't go very far in there. It come right into the bottom corner of the driver side. Take a peak and you should see it down there.
Old 07-29-2004, 12:52 PM
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Default Re: how long do MSD caps last? (ApexiChild)

thanks fellas i'll try that
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