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Review on πŸ”Œ MSD 8920 Magnetic Pickup Tachometer Adapter: Enhanced Precision in Sleek Black Design by Andrew Dickens

Revainrating 3 out of 5

So far there are many problems. Lesson learned: test the device before you install it.

Mustang Story Car from 1973 with an 87 engine, MSD 6A ignition, automatic transmission. I bought this 8920 touch adapter many years ago and it has worked for a while. When I finally got the hang of this problem, I simply replaced the 8920 with a new one. Still does not work. The new 8920 was tested using the following steps from the MSD website. It did not work. I don't know if I fried it or if it didn't work when I got it. Revan replaced him with no problem. The second came and I tested it before hooking it up to my car. It passed the following test, so I connected it to my machine. Touch didn't drive and then failed the test. I contacted MSD. They said to make sure the ground wire is at a good ground and recommended connecting it directly to the battery. They would help fix or replace the unit even though I was the one who burned it. It was still under warranty, so returning it was no problem. Sent it back via Revain, allowing for shipping cost and delays in getting it back to MSD. The third unit arrived but failed initial tests. Therefore, I strongly recommend testing the device before installing it. This unit is being returned on credit and I have ordered another unit. MSD 8920 speedometer adapter test (from MSD website, tech forums) No wires connected to box speedometer output (MSD 6A). Set the voltmeter to read 10 volts DC. We start the car, one meter for the output of the tachometer, the other for mass. The voltmeter should read between 1 and 5 volts if the tachometer output is working properly. To test the 8920 you will need an analog voltmeter. With the meter set to 12 volts DC, connect the voltmeter red lead to the 8920 purple lead and the voltmeter black lead to ground. Take the white 8920 wire and attach it to the positive side of the battery, touch and release as if you are entering Morse code. At this point the counter jumps how high it doesn't matter, as long as it jumps, 8920 is fine. You can check the tachometer output with a digital meter. The meter should read 1-5 volts DC with nothing connected to the tachometer output other than the meter itself. If everything is ok, connect the tachometer adapter. Switch the meter to AC and then connect the red color of the meter to the purple adapter (not originally used but will be used for this test) and the black color of the meter to the red connector 8920. Start the car. and read the meter. This connection should have 2-3 volts AC. This will tell you if the speedometer output is ok and if the 8920 is ok.

Pros
  • Lots of positive emotions
Cons
  • Some flaws