MSD Ignition problems

[DonC]

Gents,
Anyone having any suggestions as to why my MSD 6AL Ignition module keeps dying would be greatly appreciated. I am now on my third module which BTW died today after only running 1 hour...another tow home much to my dismay.
The problem seems to be on the input trigger circuit of these modules as once they have quit working they don't static test per the MSD diagnostics procedure. I am at wits end as now I need to have a tow truck follow me around town...it's not a pretty convoy! Seriously though I'm beginning to think these boxes are way too fragile for the application. My coupe has a Ford 392 Stroker 475 HP P/N M6007C392RT) engine with an MSD ignition system consisting of an MSD 8202 Coil, MSD 6AL Ignition module and MSD distributor with mag pickup.
If anyone has a fix I'd love to know about it or if a recommendation for a better system I'm all ears.
Thanks in advance for any and all advice,
Don

[wallace18]

Make sure you have good grounds to all the electronics. Bad grounds will cause these type problems.

[Bob Cowan]

Anything that causes a surge of any kind, or rapid changes in current can kill a module pretty fast. Simple things like corroded terminals in the main batter switch, or a loose connection in the charging circuit. Go through your entire electrical system; check for good and redundant grounds, loose connections, etc. You might also consider replacing the alternator - especially if it is a 1 wire.

Also, install a filter to protect the box.

Adding a Capacitor:
Here's the part you may have heard of, but never paid much attention to. Adding a capacitor when installing an MSD offers several advantages and is very benificial to a long lasting ignition. MSD calls it a "Noise Filter," but it is simply just a cap. Typically, these are used to help filter out any radiated noise from the ignition to your electrical system which can cause some radiated noise through your stereo. For most of us this won't be a problem. The important thing is that this cap also filters the power going to the MSD. This will prevent power surges and spikes from damaging the MSD. Things like jump-starting your car are very tough on sensitive parts, but using a cap will provide the protection you need.

http://www.erareplicas.com/427man/wiring/msd-install.htm

[edwardb]

As others have said, check your wiring. Need an absolutely solid ground and power feed. Hopefully you have those wired direct and not through a connector. You will get lots of people jumping on board talking about their bad experiences with MSD, while others (like me) that haven't had issues. In the end, it's an electronic part that can and will fail. But failing three indicates something else is wrong.