2.0 a/c
Having a bit of a mare with this one.
The van is only firing on two cylinders at the moment. There is no spark at No1 and No. 2. Ive swapped plugs, ht leads, distributor cap and rotor arm. I dont know how relevant this is but the battery light is staying on while the engine is running.
I'm left thinking that (unless I'm missing something) the next logical step has to be the distributor, can they fail in this way? Does anyone have one ?
Thanks in advance.
Firing on Two Cylinders
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gsmoke
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Re: Firing on Two Cylinders
I've been looking at the ht circuit and just tested my coil. Primary resistance is 0 (should be .52-.76 according to haynes). Secondary resistance is within spec. Could this be the cause of it only sparking on 2 cylinders?
This van is making me go nuts.
This van is making me go nuts.
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toomanytoys
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Re: Firing on Two Cylinders
the "idle stabilisation unit" isnt still plugged in is it? these can give all sorts of odd "features" its next to the coil and amp unit... unplug the 2 conections and plug them together...
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gsmoke
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Re: Firing on Two Cylinders
Hi,
No, the idle stabilisation unit has been unplugged and the ends are plugged together.
A new coil from gsf is about £35 but I don't know what to do. My guts tell me that it wont solve this.
No, the idle stabilisation unit has been unplugged and the ends are plugged together.
A new coil from gsf is about £35 but I don't know what to do. My guts tell me that it wont solve this.
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ghost123uk
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Re: Firing on Two Cylinders
Slow down and think logically 
If there are sparks on 2 plugs but not on the other 2 it cannot be the coil or dizzy etc etc.
It can only be the cap, leads or plugs.
I would take a lead and plug that IS sparking and try it in each port of the dizzy, resting the plug body on a metal bit of the engine. 4 successful sparks means it's not the cap.
Any less = cap
From then on it could be a lead (and note a faulty lead can arc a spark to any metal work causing no spark at the plug when in it's normal resting place)
Do be REALLY careful.
These vans have ignition systems that can REALLY hurt you if you get a shock from any part of the HT circuit.
People have actually died too
Any time the ignition is on KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF !!
If there are sparks on 2 plugs but not on the other 2 it cannot be the coil or dizzy etc etc.
It can only be the cap, leads or plugs.
I would take a lead and plug that IS sparking and try it in each port of the dizzy, resting the plug body on a metal bit of the engine. 4 successful sparks means it's not the cap.
Any less = cap
From then on it could be a lead (and note a faulty lead can arc a spark to any metal work causing no spark at the plug when in it's normal resting place)
Do be REALLY careful.
These vans have ignition systems that can REALLY hurt you if you get a shock from any part of the HT circuit.
People have actually died too
Any time the ignition is on KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF !!
Got a new van, but it's a 165bhp T4 [shock horror] Accurate LPG Station map here
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gsmoke
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Re: Firing on Two Cylinders
You're right.
Calm and logical is good. I've swapped everything over again and my replacement distributor cap is faulty.
GSF in the morning.
Thanks for the calming words! I've spent the last few weeks doing loads of 'mechanicals' on the van and really thought that I could just enjoy it for a bit. I suppose its never over!
Calm and logical is good. I've swapped everything over again and my replacement distributor cap is faulty.
GSF in the morning.
Thanks for the calming words! I've spent the last few weeks doing loads of 'mechanicals' on the van and really thought that I could just enjoy it for a bit. I suppose its never over!
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ghost123uk
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Re: Firing on Two Cylinders
I know the feeling !!!!
Mine has been so trouble free recently I am starting to worry
Mine has been so trouble free recently I am starting to worry
Got a new van, but it's a 165bhp T4 [shock horror] Accurate LPG Station map here
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jason k
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Re: Firing on Two Cylinders
glad you got it sorted geraint!! 
hows she going on the dells???
hows she going on the dells???
98 Westfalia James Cook
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gsmoke
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Re: Firing on Two Cylinders
Hi Jas,
Just pm'd you.
Just pm'd you.