MSD Ignition Controls

The heart of the MSD Marine Ignition System is the MSD 6M-2 Ignition Control. The MSD 6M-2 is a capacitive discharge ignition that provides the spark plugs with high energy, multiple sparks. This multi-sparking feature ensures that the air/fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber is ignited entirely to prevent loading up of the plugs while idling out of the "no wake" zone.

In addition to the multi-spark feature, the MSD 6M-2's hot capacitive discharge spark occurs for a full 20° of crankshaft rotation to improve power throughout the entire rpm range.

• MSD's popular 6M-2 with a built-in rev-limiter
• Multiple sparks improve starting, throttle response and idle quality
• Circuitry is potted for a weather-proof housing
• Weathertight connectors protect wiring from water and chemicals

The MSD 6M-2L has the same mounting footprint as the original unit, so it will easily fit into existing brackets. The proven Soft-Touch rev limiting action is set using our marine rpm modules so you'll be able to set a rev limit exactly where your engine needs it.

The 6M-2L is built to deal with constant high rpm and load conditions unique to marine applications. To protect the 6M-2L's electrical circuitry from direct water contact, the entire unit is potted with red polyurethane. This material prevents the electrical components from coming into contact with water or other chemicals that could cause damage. Weathertight connectors with multi-ribbed seals are unaffected by water, oil, gasoline and most other chemicals associated with boats.

The 6M-2L can be triggered by either a magnetic pickup (distributor or crank trigger), amplifier or by a breaker point distributor. The cable harness has the proper connector so you can plug the 6M-2L directly into one of MSD’s Pro-Billet Marine Distributors.

Where strong vibration forces can be transmitted through the hull to the MSD unit. MSD recommends the use of vibration mounts. Each package comes with four vibration mounts and mounting hardware.

High horsepower engines and inexperienced drivers can cause the same over-rev problems in marine applications as found in auto racing. The MSD Marine Engine Protector is the most economical form of insurance you can buy to protect your engine from engine damaging over-revs caused by driveline failure or when the boat's drive mechanism comes out of the water.

The name Engine Protector says exactly what this advanced electronic rpm control can do. The latest in computer designed circuitry allows the Engine Protector to selectively drop one cylinder at a time and then refire that cylinder on the next power cycle. This produces an ultra-smooth, backfire-free rev-limiting action. This selective limiting feature prevents excessive fuel from building up in the cylinder resulting in fouled plugs. The rpm limit is adjustable with a variable potentiometer and has an rpm range of 3,000-8,000 rpm.

Note: The Marine Engine Protector is for applications that do not use an MSD Ignition.

It is not uncommon for a boat engine's rpm to exceed its safe limit due to the drive mechanism coming out of the water or cavitating. This is why the MSD Marine Ignition System includes a connector for attaching an optional Marine Rev Control. The MSD Marine Soft Touch Rev Control uses computer circuitry to prevent over-revving by dropping one cylinder at a time, then refiring the cylinder on the next power cycle. This unique limiting action results in a smooth limit without causing backfires or loss of power. The limiting rpm is easily adjusted by plug-in modules that are supplied with the unit.

Each RPM Module Kit provides five modules within a range of 1,000 rpm. Example: PN 87456 Module Kit includes a 5,000, 5,200, 5,400, 5,600 and 5,800 rpm module.

NOTE: These modules can only be used with the Soft Touch Marine Rev Control, PN 8768.

MSD ignition boxes are easy to install, but for those of you that would simply like to plug-in and go we offer this all new plug-in harness making installation of your new high powered MSD 6M-2 box a snap. This harness plugs directly into your factory harness and then four color-coded wires plug into the corresponding wires of the MSD, two wires go to the battery and you're done, no cutting or splicing required.