Club 80-90 Forums

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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 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.

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;

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