Broke my bus

[dbs153]

I’ve only just got my 1981 T25/T3 2000cc cu Aircooled bus and have broke it already.
i was told it would be a good idea to change the plugs, ht leads, rotor arm and distributor cap. I ordered from JK Campers and swapped them over like for like but it wouldn’t start. It has power from the coil to the cap but nothing from the leads. 
It was running up till I started the swap.
Any help would be appreciated greatly please, thanks 

[R0B]

Why change them if it was running ok? Put the old stuff back on. Are you certain you connected the leads in the correct order?
The old adage springs to mind. If it ain't broke, mend it until it is.
Can I suggest you use Brickwerks for parts.

[MarkHughes]

Take the cap off and check the little spring loaded graphite pin in the middle, I have known them to be missing , broken or stuck in.. Also check you fitted the rotor arm (You wouldn't be the first) .

[mioba]

The old saying and these vans. If it looks like it needs fixing but is fine, lets try and fix it, break it and spend money and kick myself.

Brickwerks for parts always. Best quality and best prices.

[dbs153]

Thanks for the comments. Yes I have heard all the phrases you mentioned, but I thought as I started to drive in the early 80’s in some pretty appalling cars, swapping plugs etc wouldn’t be a problem as I have done it in every car I got.
I was an apprentice mechanic for a time when I first left school and was taught that prevention was better than cure.
I would have gone to Brickwerks but they only had 2 plugs available.
There is the little spring thing in both caps and the rotor arm is fitted the right way, as is the cap.
Im just at a loss to understand why there is power coming from the coil into the cap but nothing coming out

[tobydog]

Try the old leads, and then the old cap with the old leads, the old rotor etc? IE, substitute the old parts back in a logical sequence.

How do you test to know you have 'power' from the coil to the cap?

Whereabouts are you?

[sarran1955]

Hello
WHS ^^

Try the old leads, and then the old cap with the old leads, the old rotor etc? IE, substitute the old parts back in a logical sequence.

How do you test to know you have 'power' from the coil to the cap?

Whereabouts are you?

Also check that the brown lead that goes under the distributor clamp is clean and shiny. Do the old leads have little rubber 'hats' to make the tinware air tight??....and are the new ones of the same style??

When you get this running again, and if you still want to tinker, maybe change the gearbox oil and clean the magnetic drain plug.
Or even check the thermostat and clean the oil cooler fins...
What about the CV joints and drive-shafts....lots of fun and plenty of bits in the eyes...
Or the brakes???
There is plenty to be doing on an old van like this,if the engine is clean, cool, and leak-free, then leave well alone...

Some videos... just for fun...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtVIGXm ... yT12uO8J35

Air-Cooled Bliss...
Cordialement