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512 BB

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Pohl, Jan 11, 2021.

  1. Pohl

    Pohl Rookie

    Jan 11, 2021
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    Pohl de Visser
    #1 Pohl, Jan 11, 2021
    Hi guys.
    I'm new to the forum but was hoping you might be able to help me.
    I have a 512 BB and it keeps cutting out after about 20 mins of driving. I've had it at the garage and they have replaced the coil and pick up sensor on the distributor. They say the next option is replacing or changing the dinoplex for a MSD box.
    Is this the best option or are they missing something?
    Thanks
     

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  2. MerlinTech

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    #2 MerlinTech, Jan 13, 2021
    It may be the best option. IF it is losing ignition and not something else.
    Oddly enough, with a dinoplex you will hear a buzzing sound with the key on. I have had one that stopped buzzing and I knew that was the issue. I have worked on many Boxers and have installed many MSD boxes. Make sure it is not a power issue that is causing the failure.
     
  3. Pohl

    Pohl Rookie

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    #3 Pohl, Jan 13, 2021
    Hi there.
    Thank you for replying to me.
    When you say power issue what do you mean?
    There is a buzzing noise when the key is on but i thought it was the fuel pumps.

    The one time it wouldn't start the mechanic came out and there was no spark, left it over night and it started no problem the next morning.
     
  4. Drew Altemara

    Drew Altemara Formula 3

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    #4 Drew Altemara, Jan 13, 2021
    Listen for a high pitched whine of the Dinoplex. The fuel pump click, click, click is very different.
     
  5. Pohl

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    #5 Pohl, Jan 14, 2021
    thank you yes i can hear that, but the last time i drove the car when it broke down i couldn't hear that at first then after a few minutes i could hear it again and it started back up. Looking at getting the MSD 6AL-2 box for the car now.
     
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  6. pshoejberg

    pshoejberg Formula 3
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    #6 pshoejberg, Jan 19, 2021 at 3:03 PM
    It could very well be related to a bad Dinoplex box. My box became significant weaker with temperature and I could hardly start the engine when hot. Remove one of the spark plug caps and hold the wire a few millimetres from the ground on the engine and try cranking the engine when cold versus warm while observing the intensity of the spark. I noticed a significant reduction in spark intensity when hot and opted to go MSD. Do a search in the boxer section for further MSD inspiration.

    Best, Peter
     
  7. Pohl

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    #7 Pohl, Jan 19, 2021 at 4:35 PM
    Hi Peter.
    Thank you for that information, my mechanic has ordered a MSD box. Anyone got any tips for fitting it?
    Thanks
     
  8. MerlinTech

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    #8 MerlinTech, Jan 20, 2021 at 6:43 AM
    Contact MSD about getting it modified for 12 cylinder use. This allows the rev limit to work in its proper range. I have had it done on the older analog boxes but I haven't tried on the digital box.
    When they (digital) came out they were terrible. I went through three sets of two on Daytona. They would stop firing and I would sent them back to MSD directly. The tech I was dealing with finally called back after the third set and told me a new set was coming my way and it should resolve the problem. I open the box and had two analog boxes. He had found new old stock and just sent the old style.
    I had the same issue on a small block Chevy I built for a friend. I finally bought an analog off Ebay and no more issues. I understand that they are better now.
     
  9. pshoejberg

    pshoejberg Formula 3
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    #9 pshoejberg, Jan 21, 2021 at 2:16 PM
    Here is a link for inspiration:

    https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/512-bbi-ignition-upgrade.630245/

    Here is a wiring diagram for exchanging the Dinoplex against an MSD 6AL-2 setup (Produced by Adrian):

    http://www.dinoplex.org/PDF/Wiring_MSD6AL2_for_AEC104.pdf

    And here is a link to a cheap unit....;)

    https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/512-bbi-various-spare-parts.633515/

    Good luck with the project.

    Best, Peter
     

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  10. Pohl

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    #10 Pohl, Jan 21, 2021 at 2:26 PM
    Hi Peter.

    Thank you for that info, really helpful.
    My mechanic has already ordered the MSD box and I've been reading up on it. Been told its only for up to 8 cylinders. How does it work with the 12 cylinder the 512BB has? I also saw something about the rev limits?

    Many thanks
     
  11. pshoejberg

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    #11 pshoejberg, Jan 22, 2021 at 6:53 AM
    The 6-AL2 standard box is working fine with the 12 cylindered 512BB. Only abnormal adjustment you need to do is when setting the rev limit. Here you need to multiply the needed setting with 1.5 in order to compensate from 8 to 12 cylinders:

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    That's basically it. No need for for any MSD company special modification.

    Best, Peter
     
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