Club 80-90 Forums

My 1980 Westy has a 2.0l CU air-cooled engine that I've just rebuilt (new pistons, barrels, etc). Unfortunately the ignition system is dead (no spark) and so far I've tried a couple of second-hand dizzy's without success. I think the control unit is duff.

For now, I've fitted a mechanical distributor just to get the engine running - except that the points get very hot & quickly burn out so I guess the coil is OK.....!

Is it possible to buy new parts for the entire iginition system (control box, dizzy, etc) and if so, where from? Or do I have to scour the scrappies & keep my fingers crossed that all the bits work?

don't think anything is available new anymore....sorry.

Em
x

First have you disconnected the the idling stabiliser and joined the plugs together if it works then the stabiliser is kaput not sure if that is still available but you can run with it disconnected. The ignition amp is still available as it's common to other vehicles but you might have to change the heat sink over. The pickup in the dizzy it available from the brickwerks or just kampers.
If you run it with points you will have to change the coil to a points type coil as the original one is to low a resistance and will burn the points and have a weak spark.

bigherb wrote:First have you disconnected the the idling stabiliser and joined the plugs together if it works then the stabiliser is kaput not sure if that is still available but you can run with it disconnected. The ignition amp is still available as it's common to other vehicles but you might have to change the heat sink over. The pickup in the dizzy it available from the brickwerks or just kampers.
If you run it with points you will have to change the coil to a points type coil as the original one is to low a resistance and will burn the points and have a weak spark.

What he said.

Thanks for the advice everyone, very much appreciated.

I've already been through all the checks in the Haynes manual (joining the idling stabiliser plugs etc) without success so for now it'll be easier to change the coil & revert to the electronics later on. There's still a fair bit of mechanical work to do before the Westy's ready for an MOT although fortunately nothing major (fuel lines, brakes, etc) - only real problem, as always, is finding the time!

If ignition module is kaput can be replaced with alternatives. I used Lucas DAB400. Been done for over a year now , no problems.

Numbers I have for the module from when I did mine -
GM 90140187
Bosch 1 227 010 001, 1 227 022 008 and others
Lucas DAB 400
Durite 0-350-03
Intermotor 15000

Thanks a lot for the info on the alternative part numbers, most helpful to me. Although my wife & I like our water-cooled van (very comfy), I do miss the sound of the air-cooled engine & as it's an auto, it's a doddle to drive!

Hi again it may be useful for you to view these diagrams to make sure connections are correct :

http://uk.geocities.com/mixer_uk/CUElecIgnWiring.jpg

http://uk.geocities.com/mixer_uk/2eleccarbcon.jpg

Also ensure black wire from ignition is fitted to +15 on coil ( usually found coming though the left hand side of engine bay with the oil pressure switch wire )
also...
Check all wires for continuity
If dizzy, ign module and wires are sound and connected as shown you shoulkd get a spark..

Good Luck

Bought a standard mechanical dizzy & coil from GSF - bus started up first turn of the key & runs like a dream so probably won't bother to refit the electronics.

Again many thanks to everyone for the help.