Point To Electronic Ignition Shift Problem

[vette53]

I converted from a points ignition to a complete MSD electronic ignition system. But, I have problems with shifting from gear to neutral. It will shift if I power down. I saw this article about this diode/resistor fix interupting the ESA to coil wire. Made one but it didn't help. I have seen people listing that they used an MSD shift assist module. Does anyone have a part#? I checked the MSD web with no luck. Or any suggestions?:banghead:

[MOP]

Scroll down on this page it is listed here.

http://www.cpperformance.com/products/Electrical/msd-ignition-controls.htm

[Rootsy]

I went through the same thing. You NEED the ESA from MSD. a lovely 80 dollar little box...

you can get it from the likes of summitracing.com and jegs.com.. also don't forget to check out e-bay

http://store.summitracing.com/default.asp?target=esearch.asp&N=110&Ntk=KeywordSearch&Ntt=msd+shift+assist

Root

[Greg K]

Vette, you have an OMC right ?
Are you using this Shift Assembly ? (http://www.dougrussell.com/partscatalog/volvo_omc/index.cfm?fuseaction=comp&group=554&GroupList=534,535,536,538,537,539,540,541,542,543, 544,545,546,547,548,549,550,551,552,553,554)
or one that looks like This? (http://www.dougrussell.com/partscatalog/volvo_omc/index.cfm?fuseaction=comp&group=997&GroupList=978,979,980,981,983,982,984,985,986,987, 988,989,990,991,992,995,996,997,998,999,1000,1001, 1002)

[Rootsy]

Vette, you have an OMC right ?
Are you using this Shift Assembly ? (http://www.dougrussell.com/partscatalog/volvo_omc/index.cfm?fuseaction=comp&group=554&GroupList=534,535,536,538,537,539,540,541,542,543, 544,545,546,547,548,549,550,551,552,553,554)
or one that looks like This? (http://www.dougrussell.com/partscatalog/volvo_omc/index.cfm?fuseaction=comp&group=997&GroupList=978,979,980,981,983,982,984,985,986,987, 988,989,990,991,992,995,996,997,998,999,1000,1001, 1002)

why is it that i always seem to assume someone has an ALPHA :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

[MOP]

OMC and Merc both pulse the ignition not completely killing it, helping both engagement and disengagement. I have seen guys try all kinds of tricks and got no where, the box is the only think that works.

[vette53]

Greg K., the shift assembly with the solenoids and the overstroke and cutout switches on it is the one I have. MOP and Rootsy it looks like the same unit 120-4489 works for both the Merc and the OMC. It's nice having resources like you guys. Thanks for the help. I'll order one tonight. :checkered

[Greg K]

Greg K., the shift assembly with the solenoids and the overstroke and cutout switches on it is the one I have. MOP and Rootsy it looks like the same unit 120-4489 works for both the Merc and the OMC. It's nice having resources like you guys. Thanks for the help. I'll order one tonight. :checkered

You just need to locate the shift cutout switch and it's pair of wires. Overstroke switch is not used. You can use the module or just run one of the wires to a ground and run the other wire to the negative side of your coil. Either way you'll have to use the shift cutout switch in either case. Doing it without the module will save you around $100.

[vette53]

Greg, If I ground the other side of the switch won't that totally kill the coil output? Or won't I get a small spark?:confused:

[Greg K]

Greg, If I ground the other side of the switch won't that totally kill the coil output? Or won't I get a small spark?:confused:

That is what you want...it'll interrupt for a split second allowing you to get out of gear. The trigger arm that the shift cable is attached to works on tension to trip the micro switch to interrupt the ignition.

[MOP]

If you have a brand new drive cable you may get away with no box, but as soon as you develope any drag what so ever it will die when you go to shift. What price insurance against a docking mishap.
Phil

[vette53]

Thanks guys. I think I'll take Phil's advice. I don't want to run into anyone or thing. And if I ever let my wife run it -- look out-- an accident waiting to happen. I ordered the MSD 4489 this weekend. Thanks again guys!!