No spark on my T25 Petrol 1.9 DG 1988
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- dannyjwood
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No spark on my T25 Petrol 1.9 DG 1988
I'll try to keep this brief...
I was driving and slowed to let someone out of a junction, as I slowed down the engine died. I then couldn't get it started again. 3 weeks later and I still haven't got it going.
Petrol feed to carb flows petrol and petrol flows on return feed too. Coil has correct resistance levels, but when the ignition is on, coil only gets about 8 volts (should be 12 I assume). There is no spark on any plug and there doesn't seem to be a spark from coil to distributor either. Rotor arm turns when you try to start.
I've tried a spare coil with no luck, I've changed rotor arm and dizzy cap with no luck. HT Leads are all brand new and plugs are fine with a correct gap. I've checked earths too, all cleaned up and solid.
I'm pretty handy with a spanner but electrical faults are really not my strong point.
Could my distributor need replacing? Or should I be looking/testing between battery and coil for faults?
My last question is... if it's a lot of trial and error, shall I just get a mobile electrical mechanic out?
Cheers all!
Danny
I was driving and slowed to let someone out of a junction, as I slowed down the engine died. I then couldn't get it started again. 3 weeks later and I still haven't got it going.
Petrol feed to carb flows petrol and petrol flows on return feed too. Coil has correct resistance levels, but when the ignition is on, coil only gets about 8 volts (should be 12 I assume). There is no spark on any plug and there doesn't seem to be a spark from coil to distributor either. Rotor arm turns when you try to start.
I've tried a spare coil with no luck, I've changed rotor arm and dizzy cap with no luck. HT Leads are all brand new and plugs are fine with a correct gap. I've checked earths too, all cleaned up and solid.
I'm pretty handy with a spanner but electrical faults are really not my strong point.
Could my distributor need replacing? Or should I be looking/testing between battery and coil for faults?
My last question is... if it's a lot of trial and error, shall I just get a mobile electrical mechanic out?
Cheers all!
Danny
Danny Dub
- itchyfeet
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Re: No spark on my T25 Petrol 1.9 DG 1988
try running a fresh tempory wire from battery to coil +
8 V souns low this will prove if it's bad 12V supply wiring
Also remove earth screw under coil and clean up body and ring terminals
Same with earth to head by coil.
8 V souns low this will prove if it's bad 12V supply wiring
Also remove earth screw under coil and clean up body and ring terminals
Same with earth to head by coil.
1988 DG WBX LPG Tin Top
itchylinks
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- dannyjwood
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Re: No spark on my T25 Petrol 1.9 DG 1988
hi itchyfeet!
I've cleaned the earth under the coil already, but where is the "earth to head" I'm not following you there.
cheers for the swift reply
I've cleaned the earth under the coil already, but where is the "earth to head" I'm not following you there.
cheers for the swift reply

Danny Dub
- itchyfeet
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Re: No spark on my T25 Petrol 1.9 DG 1988
the head to the left of the distributor has a tapped hole on a flat surface, there should be a brown earth connected from there to the earth point under coil


1988 DG WBX LPG Tin Top
itchylinks
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Re: No spark on my T25 Petrol 1.9 DG 1988
I've just this week had the same problem,a new ignition amplifier was the answer,have you got a T25 nearby so that you can try one first.£42 from Brickwerks
1989 Autosleeper Trooper 1.9 petol
BMW R1200 GSA (proper motorbike)
BMW R1200 GSA (proper motorbike)
- dannyjwood
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Re: No spark on my T25 Petrol 1.9 DG 1988
Thanks itchyfeet!
I was being a bit dumb there, yes I've checked this earth. Thanks!
Thanks lodgey62! Any idea how I can test for a duff ignition amplifier? Fingers crossed mines a cheap fix
I was being a bit dumb there, yes I've checked this earth. Thanks!
Thanks lodgey62! Any idea how I can test for a duff ignition amplifier? Fingers crossed mines a cheap fix

Danny Dub
- itchyfeet
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Re: No spark on my T25 Petrol 1.9 DG 1988
as he said swap it
where are you somebody local may have one spare, I do.
Have you tried a fresh 12v feed, thats a cheap check.
where are you somebody local may have one spare, I do.
Have you tried a fresh 12v feed, thats a cheap check.
1988 DG WBX LPG Tin Top
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- dannyjwood
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Re: No spark on my T25 Petrol 1.9 DG 1988
Yeah I'll try the feed and ask about locally.
I'm in Penzance Cornwall so usually miles from anyone else!
Got my B/H weekend sorted!
I'm in Penzance Cornwall so usually miles from anyone else!
Got my B/H weekend sorted!
Danny Dub
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Re: No spark on my T25 Petrol 1.9 DG 1988
I'm sure syncro Andy has a website that has original vw manuals yo download. One manual is for testing the ignition system. I'm not at home so can't access my laptop where the link is stored.
Introducing Bubble, the B reg '85, 1.9 DF WBX (currently with a DG fitted!)
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Re: No spark on my T25 Petrol 1.9 DG 1988
Here it is: select the 2e3 manual and the ignition system testing is on there. Having a Haynes manual wiring diagram will help. You don't need all the fancy VW tools, it can mostly be done with a multi meter. I know - I tested my ignition system last year using this manual.
http://syncrosport.com/info/manual/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://syncrosport.com/info/manual/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Introducing Bubble, the B reg '85, 1.9 DF WBX (currently with a DG fitted!)
- dannyjwood
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Re: No spark on my T25 Petrol 1.9 DG 1988
Thanks for all the replies to this one guys!
@lodgey62 it turned out to be the Ignition Amplifier for me too! Found the same part code on ebay for £11 but ended up going with the Brickwerks one as the ebayers feedback wasn't all to good.
Back on the road again! Cheers all!
Danny
@lodgey62 it turned out to be the Ignition Amplifier for me too! Found the same part code on ebay for £11 but ended up going with the Brickwerks one as the ebayers feedback wasn't all to good.
Back on the road again! Cheers all!
Danny
Danny Dub