MSD MC-3 MOTORCYCLE IGNITION
Contents
1. NSD MC 3 MOTORCYCLE IGNITION PN 15 00 2520 PN 4223 The MSD MC 3 Ignition can be used on 1 2 or 4 cylinder engines using one or two coils The MC 3 will operate with conventional points or from the amplifier of an electronic breakerless system Capacitive discharge CDI units cannot trigger the MC 3 WARNING During installation always disconnect the battery cables When disconnecting the battery always remove the Negative cable first and install it last Note The MC 3 will not work with capacitive discharge CDI motorcycles Parts Included 6 RPM Modules 5 000 7 000 9 000 10 000 11 000 1 MSD MC 3 Ignition Control Unit 12 000 rpm 1 Motorcycle Cable Assembly 1 Parts Bag Note Itis recommended that you have the Service Manual for your motorcycle for the installation TECH TIPS The following are technical tips that will help you get the most out of your MSD MC 3 Ignition Battery The battery is a very important component of your ignition system The battery should be rated at no less than 10 amp hours whether you have a charging system or not If you do not have a charging system allow at least 10 amp hours per each half hour of use Never start or run the engine while a battery charger is connected Some chargers can produce voltage spikes that may damage the ignition components Coils The MSD MC 3 will work with factory and most aftermarket coils Better spark energy is received at the plug if lower resist2. BLACK positive It does not matter which wire ORANGE Connects to the back coil COIL B terminals One to coil negative the other YELLOW to positive It does not matter which wire WIRING TO THE STOCK IGNITION SYSTEM Note The MC 3 will not work with Capacitive Discharge Ignitions or 4 cylinder engines with an individual coil per cylinder The Yamaha V Max is one bike that cannot accept an MC 3 Note The factory rev limiter and timing curve will still function with the ignition installed To disable the factory rev limiter and timing curve an aftermarket stand alone trigger amplifier is required MSD POWERSPORTS 1490 HENRY BRENNAN DR EL PASO TEXAS 79936 915 858 3365 FAX 915 858 3496 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 3 1 Locate the ignition coils and identify which side of the coil s has 12 NOTE DisconnecT volts going to it If the polarity of the coil is not identified follow this J WRPEFROM COIL BEFORE CHECKING procedure Figure 2 FOR TOVO A Disconnect the coil wires and remove them from the terminals B Using a voltmeter connected to one wire and to ground turn the ignition to the On position and check for 12 volts Note Make sure the wires do not make contact with any engine components C The wire that shows 12 volts is the positive side Turn the ignition Off and mark that coil wire as positive and the other as negative If necessary mark which wires go to Coil A and Coil B fee tte Note If 12 volts
3. is not present on either coil wire the motorcycle Figure 2 Checking for Coil Wire may have a Capacitive Discharge Ignition and cannot use Polarity an MSD MC 3 2 At this point all of the coil wires should be marked with its polarity and which coil A or B ao coLO the wires connect to Single Coil Attach the coil s negative wire to een the White wire of the MSD Figure 3 Dual Coils Attach the Coil A negative wire to the White wire of the MSD and the Coil B negative wire to the Green wire of the MSD Figure 4 3 Connect the MC 3 Gray wires to the coil s positive wires Note The MC 3 has two Gray wires and it doesn t matter which wire s connect to which coil in dual coil applications For single coil installation connect both Gray wires to the original coil positive wire Figure 3 Wiring to a Stock Single Coil System These wires provide a switched 12 volt source to turn the MSD on and off 4 The following wires connect directly to the coil terminals The MC 3 s Black and Purple wires connect to Coil A The Orange and Yellow wires attach to Coil B It does not matter which side of the coil the wires connect to If you only have a single coil 2 B seal the ends of the OFS CoB eae aReet O Orange and Yellow wires 5 Review your wiring with Figure 3 or 4 and make any corrections If everything matches Q YELLOW NOT USED e R ORANGE NOT USED GREEN NOT USED connect the heavy Red YELLOW wire to the battery
4. you wish to set at low rom and insert it in the LOW module holder Insert the high rom module for over rev protection in the HIGH holder Figure 10 Wiring the Two Step Module Selector MSD Powersports offers additional rom modules in sets of five or an adjustable module selector The module selector is an adjustable knob that provides several rom settings for even easier adjustment The module kits come in increments of 200 rom within a range of 1 000 rpm PN RPM MODULES EVEN PN RPM MODULES ODD 3000 3200 3400 3600 3800 9000 9200 9400 9600 9800 3100 3300 3500 3700 3900 9100 9300 9500 9700 9900 4000 4200 4400 4600 4800 10000 10200 10400 10600 10800 4100 4300 4500 4700 4900 10100 10300 10500 10700 10900 5000 5200 5400 5600 5800 11000 11200 11400 11600 11800 5100 5300 5500 5700 5900 11100 11300 11500 11700 11900 6000 6200 6400 6600 6800 12000 12200 12400 12600 12800 6100 6300 6500 6700 6900 12100 12300 12500 12700 12900 7000 7200 7400 7600 7800 13000 13200 13400 13600 13800 7100 7300 7500 7700 7900 13100 13300 13500 13700 13900 8000 8200 8400 8600 8800 tC O Pn RPMSELECTORS Pn RPMSELECTORS MSD POWERSPORTS 1490 HENRY BRENNAN DR EL PASO TEXAS 79936 915 858 3365 FAX 915 858 3496 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 7 RETURNING TO STOCK IGNITION To return the ignition system back to standard operation points and standard electronic trigger systems only simply unplug the MC 3 control cable and insert th
5. 15 00 3030 PN 8204 Check your Service Manual for stock coil specifications If either measurement is out of specification the coil must be replaced Primary Resistance Check the resistance between the positive and the negative terminals It should be 1 2 1 4 ohms Secondary Resistance Check the resistance between the spark plug terminals It should be 11 000 11 500 ohms 11K 11 5K Service In case of malfunction this component will be repaired free of charge according to the terms of the warranty When returning components for service Proof of Purchase must be supplied for warranty verification After the warranty period has expired repair service is charged based on aminimum and maximum charge Send the unit prepaid with proof of purchase to the attention of Customer Service Department MSD Powersports 1490 Henry Brennan Dr El Paso Texas 79936 When returning the unit for repair leave all wires atthe length in which you have them installed Be sure to include a detailed account of any problems experienced and what components and accessories are installed on the vehicle The repaired unit will be returned as soon as possible after receipt COD Cashiers Check for any charges For more information call the MSD Powersports Customer Service Line 915 858 3365 MSD Powersports technicians are available from 8 00 a m to 5 00 p m Monday Friday Mountain Time Limited Warranty MSD Powersports warrants this product to be free fr
6. PURPLE ORANGE positive terminal and BATTERY the heavy Black wire to the negative battery terminal The wiring is complete Figure 4 Wiring to a Stock Dual Coil Ignition System MSD POWERSPORTS 1490 HENRY BRENNAN DR EL PASO TEXAS 79936 915 858 3365 FAX 915 858 3496 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AFTERMARKET AMPLIFIER TRIGGER By using an aftermarket trigger system on some bikes the factory timing curve and rev limit may be bypassed Use the same wiring procedure as described in the Wiring to a Stock Ignition section Figures 5 and 6 show a typical aftermarket amplifier trigger TO IGNITION SWITCH ORANGE WHITE TRIGGER A WIRE GREEN TRIGGER B WIRE J SWITCHED 12V GRAY FROM IGNITION SWITCH Figure 6 Wiring the MC 3 to an Aftermarket Amplifier Trigger INITIAL START UP Before starting the engine review the wiring steps and make sure all of your connections are tight and secure Make sure the spark plug wires are installed and the battery terminals are tight then start the engine If the engine runs a short time then stalls the engine may be equipped with an electric fuel pump relay and might require an MSD Tach Adaptor PN 15 00 0510 PN 8920 Contact MSD for information 888 258 3835 After wiring the MC 3 take time to review these steps e The only wires on the coils should be the PURPLE BLACK and ORANGE YELLOW wires DO NOT hook any other wires to the coils e The GRAY wires
7. ance coils are used 1 5 ohm However for maximum ignition output an MSD Motorcycle Coil PN 15 00 3030 PN 8204 is recommended This Coil is designed specifically for use with the MC 3 Ignition It has less resistance and a high turns ratio to match the full capability of the MC 3 WARNING Do not touch or connect any test equipment accessories etc to the coil terminals Spark Plugs The increased spark energy of the MC 3 allows you to run a wider spark plug gap 045 060 The result is more predictable ignition and improved performance Spark Plug Wires Only magnetic suppression wires should be used with the MC 3 Ignition Magnetic suppression wires such as the MSD Heli Core or Super Conductor wires suppress electro magnetic interference EMI that is emitted If not suppressed this EMI noise may interfere with any electronic components on the motorcycle DO NOT use Solid Core wires CYLINDER SELECT The MC 3 is programmed at the factory for 4 cylinder four stroke or 2 cylinder and one 1 cylinder two stroke engines To program the unit for different applications see the chart in Figure 1 MSD POWERSPORTS 1490 HENRY BRENNAN DR EL PASO TEXAS 79936 915 858 3365 FAX 915 858 3496 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS CYLINDER FOUR STROKE TWO STROKE CUT LOOP NO MODIFICATIONS O a CUT LOOP NO MODIFICATIONS a No MoDIFcaTIONS e Figure 1 Cylinder Select Wire Loop MOUNTING The MC 3 Ignition Unit may be mounted in a
8. e jumper plug supplied into the cable connector If using high performance low resistance coils a 1 5 ohm ballast must be wired into the GRAY wire going to the positive side of the coil Figure 11 Note In the event of having to run the motorcycle without a battery unplug the MC 3 and return to standard operation Operating without a battery could cause severe damage to the MC 3 8 PIN CONNECTOR L Caution If using MSD pickup ma a To gig tfiggers DO NOT USE the ad P bypass connector The pickups will be damaged BYPASS CONNECTOR Figure 11 Bypassing the MSD MC3 TROUBLESHOOTING WIRING CHECK WARNING The MC 3 produces very high voltages Never short the battery or coil terminals Use caution when checking connections and while troubleshooting e Check all of the wiring connections making sure they are clean and tight If connectors have been crimped on make sure they are tight and sealed e Confirm that the battery is fully charged and properly connected Also check that the MSD power leads are connected properly and are tight e Check that the only wires connected to the coil s are from the MSD e After checking the wiring for loose or faulty connections follow the next procedure to confirm that the MSD is sparking properly WARNING Do not connect any test equipment to the coil terminals LED MONITOR The MC 3 is equipped with an LED monitor Figure 12 The LED will light eve
9. ny position The unit should be mounted at least three inches from the exhaust pipes to avoid excess heat The suggested location is ahead of the engine at the top of the down tubes Make sure the mounting location does not interfere with the normal operation of the motorcycle To mount the MC 3 use it as a template and mark the mounting hole locations Drill the four holes using a 3 16 drill and install four vibration mounts and the MC 3 WIRING WIRE FUNCTIONS The following chart describes what each wire of the MC 3 is used for Connects directly to the battery positive terminal or starter solenoid 12 volt terminal BLACK Connects to the battery negative terminal or the engine ground GRAY Connects to switched 12 volt side of ignition switch It switches the input voltage from the RED wire on and off WHITE Connects to the COIL A trigger wire from the points or electronic amplifier triggers the PURPLE and BLACK wire coil Connects to the B COIL trigger wire from the points or electronic amplifier triggers the ORANGE and YELLOW wired coil BROWN Shift Interrupt wire interrupts the ignition output when applied to ground LIGHT BLUE Activates the low rom module when connected to ground SHORT BLUE Cylinder select wire loop LOOP The following groups of two wires connect to the same components in different applications PURPLE Connects to the front coil COIL A terminals One to coil negative the other to
10. om defects in material and workmanship under its intended normal use and if properly installed for a period of one year from the date of original purchase If found to be defective as mentioned above it will be repaired or replaced at the option of MSD Powersports Any item that is covered under this warranty will be returned free of charge through standard shipping methods If faster service is required the customer has the option of paying for this service This shall constitute the sole remedy of the purchaser and the sole liability of MSD Powersports To the extent permitted by law the foregoing is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties or representations whether expressed or implied including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness In no event shall MSD Powersports or its suppliers be liable for special or consequential damages Intended normal use means that this item is being used as was originally intended and for the original application as sold by MSD Powersports Any modifications to this item or if it is used on an application other than what MSD Powersports markets the product the warranty will be void It is the sole responsibility of the customer to determine that this item will work for the application they are intending MSD Powersports will accept no liability for custom applications MSD POWERSPORTS 1490 HENRY BRENNAN DR EL PASO TEXAS 79936 915 858 3365 FAX 915 858 3496 FRM26106 Revised 09 04 Prin
11. ring an MSD Shift Light MSD POWERSPORTS 1490 HENRY BRENNAN DR EL PASO TEXAS 79936 915 858 3365 FAX 915 858 3496 6 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS PROGRAMMING SHIFT INTERRUPT FEATURE The MC 3 Ignition has a special Shift Interrupt feature When applied the ignition output will be interrupted thereby unloading the transmission and allowing the shift to occur This system is different than normal ignition kills which simply interrupt the power to the coils causing a spark to occur at the time the switch is released which may result in severe backfires Figure 9 Wiring the Air Shift Interrupt Feature The MC 3 Interrupt feature only operates in the output section of the ignition allowing all of the timing functions to keep operating properly This ensures that no backfires will occur To incorporate the Interrupt feature connect the BROWN wire of the MC 3 to the Normally Open NO terminal of the Shift Kill switch Wire the common C terminal of the switch to ground Figure 9 THE TWO STEP MODULE The Two Step feature of the MC 3 provides the capability of switching between two rpm limits that are set using plug in modules To use the Two Step feature connect the LIGHT BLUE wire to a switched ground see Figure 10 NORMALLY OPEN When the LIGHT BLUE wire is grounded the a Low module is engaged When the LIGHT BLUE wire is not grounded open the High module is engaged Choose the rom module
12. ry time there is a spark At above idle engine speeds it may appear to be on continuously Also the static timing can be checked and adjusted by watching for the LED to light If the LED begins flashing erratically it is indicating a problem The battery may be getting too low for full power operation or a coil positive wire may be grounded Figure 12 LED Monitor MSD POWERSPORTS 1490 HENRY BRENNAN DR EL PASO TEXAS 79936 915 858 3365 FAX 915 858 3496 CHECKING FOR SPARK The following procedure will determine if the ignition is producing a spark 1 With the ignition Off remove one of the plug wires from the spark plug Use a spark tester tool such as the ST 125 or position the wire so the terminal is about 1 2 from ground 2 Disconnect the White wire of the MC 3 3 Turn the ignition On DO NOT CRANK THE ENGINE 4 Tap the White wire to ground several times A spark should jump to ground when the wire is removed from ground If it sparks the ignition is operating properly Repeat the procedure with the Green wire if your engine has two coils 5 No Spark Substitute another coil and test again If there is still no spark and all of the wiring and connections have been inspected and confirmed contact the MSD Customer Service Line to send the unit in for repair CHECKING THE COIL Using an Ohm meter you can check the resistance of the coil s The following specifications are for MSD s Motorcycle Coil PN
13. should be connected to a switched 12 volt source allowing the system to be turned on and off by the ignition switch MSD POWERSPORTS 1490 HENRY BRENNAN DR EL PASO TEXAS 79936 915 858 3365 FAX 915 858 3496 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 5 TACH ADAPTER INSTALLATION If the engine started then stalled within a couple of minutes you will have to install a Tach Adapter The cause for this is due to the fuel pump not receiving a strong enough trigger signal through the MSD The Tach Adapter ensures that the fuel pump receives a strong trigger signal Figure 7 TACH TACH ADAPTER MSD PN 15 00 0510 PN 8920 ORIGINALLY FROM NEGATIVE SIDE OF STOCK COIL TO FUEL PUMP Figure 7 Installing a Tach Adapter TACHOMETER OUTPUT The MC 3 Ignition has a built in tach output terminal Figure 8 This terminal will directly drive many models of tachs The output combines both input signals from either the points or electronic ignition amplifier into one signal Due to this it is possible for some tachs to read double the engine rpm If the rom reading is doubled when using the tach output terminal splice the tach wire into either the WHITE or the single GREEN wire SHIFT LIGHT A Shift Light can easily be connected to the MC 3 Figure 8 shows a common setup with an MSD Shift Light IGNITION SWITCH SHIFT LIGHT PN_15 00 0555 PN 8952 O iT AS RED SWITCHED 12 VOLTS GROUND GREEN Figure 8 Wi
14. ted In U S A
Download Pdf Manuals
Related Search