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Dakota Performance
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BMac
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4/23/2001
09:57:18

Subject: 98 5.2 MSD SLUG
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I finally got me a '98 Dak 5.2 auto.
Problem #1 MSD
I installed an MSD 6TN with the wiring harness and an MSD Blaster SS coil. I noticed an improvement right away...for about a day. Then I replaced the plug wires with Mopar 8mm, the dist. cap and button with Borg/Warner and a K&N filter.
NOW it runs rough and giving me 1-2mpg less. THAT"S not performance. It has 67,000 on it ans is a tight engine. What do I do now?

Problem #2
After buying the truck I got the oil changed at Penzoil and put in 5W30, NOW it takes longer to get the pressure up. Don't want it to start making noises. What do I do for this?



RonW
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4/23/2001
11:06:55

RE: 98 5.2 MSD SLUG
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Sounds like a plug wire problem. Check out these possibilities.

1) You miswired your new wires. Check out the order of wires. Make sure they match the firing order - 18436572. Some of the best mechanics I know who jump up and down and swear they couldn't have....only to find out otherwise.

2) You may have a bad new wire. Wouldn't be the first time. Check by opening up your hood in the dark of night. See if you spot any arcing.

3) I'm not familiar with Mopar wires but with the MSD unit you cannot use solid core wire so make sure they aren't.

4) When was the last time the plugs were changed? The MSD unit is especially hard on plugs. First thing, if they're platinum, get them out of there. In any case get some Autolite 3923 coppers. Start out with a .045 gap. At some point in the future you may want to try .050.

5) If the wires are okay make sure they're snug on the cap and the plugs.

Ron
00 PB SLT QC 4X2 5.9 46RE 3.92 LSD

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4/23/2001
11:54:34

RE: 98 5.2 MSD SLUG
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New plugs, Bosch Supers, about a week after the wire installation. The wires are new and NOT solid core. Plugs are gapped at .050
Made definite sure about thr firing order.

'98 DAK EXT. CAB SPORT 5.2 AUTO W/ MSD SYSTEM, K&N

RonW
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4/23/2001
12:11:03

RE: 98 5.2 MSD SLUG
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What are Bosch Supers? Not platinum are they? MSD states platinum is a no-no. If roughness continues, back plug gap out to .045.

By the way did you reset your PCM? Wouldn't hurt.

Ron
00 PB SLT QC 4X2 5.9 46RE 3.92 LSD

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4/23/2001
12:14:41

RE: 98 5.2 MSD SLUG
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The Bosch Supers are NOT platnum, they maybe copper core. I didn't reset the PCM. Does that just require disconnecting the neg cable? for how long?

'98 DAK EXT. CAB SPORT 5.2 AUTO W/ MSD SYSTEM, K&N

Brad
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4/23/2001
12:16:06

RE: 98 5.2 MSD SLUG
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If you spray some water on the wires while it is running it will show any arcing. Adding a little salt will make them show up better

97 5.2L

RonW
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4/23/2001
12:25:07

RE: 98 5.2 MSD SLUG
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After disconnecting neg. battery cable, turn your key to START and hold for 15 seconds. Take key out, reconnect cable and you're good to go.

Ron
00 PB SLT QC 4X2 5.9 46RE 3.92 LSD

BMac
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4/23/2001
14:44:55

RE: 98 5.2 MSD SLUG
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Thanks fer yer help, I must invest in some MSD wires, that way I'll know instead of the guessing.
The truck is good and strong but it seems to loose power after 3000rpm and runs rough. The mpg is around 15-16 but was giving me 17 when I first got it in March and dropped a day after the MSD was installed. I built a strong 318 that I put in a Jeep Comanche that gave me the same mileage and power. I guess I expected more from technology.
Thanks again.

'98 DAK EXT. CAB SPORT 5.2 AUTO W/ MSD SYSTEM, K&N

RonW
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4/23/2001
14:56:55

RE: 98 5.2 MSD SLUG
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I'll bet if you take the plug gaps to .045 you'll be just fine.

Ron
00 PB SLT QC 4X2 5.9 46RE 3.92 LSD

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4/30/2001
09:57:49

RE: 98 5.2 MSD SLUG
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OK, I re-gapped the plugs to .045, I ran the truck for a week without the MSD and got the same mpg. Plugged it in again after re-gapping and it registered 17.8 on a 20min. highway run.
When I took the plugs out they were a maroon color. What is that? Maybe the Penske injector cleaner?
Still no power increase. I think maybe the plug wires are the wrong type:(

'98 DAK EXT. CAB SPORT 5.2 AUTO W/ MSD SYSTEM, K&N

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