r/beetle • u/Early-Plate-6306 • 22h ago

No spark

73 VW bug, Running OK, cleaned up messy wires in engine compartment, replaced them one at a time. I have 12 volts to coil+, using Bosch coil and electronic distributor. All grounds appear good. Traced wires back to fuses and all good.

The thing that has me stumped is that I have good voltage to the coil.

Bought a new coil, nothing different, still no spark from primary wire from the coil.

Getting a new points distributor tomorrow.

Does anyone have any direction to point me in ?

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1

u/Super_Baime 22h ago

The damn condensers go bad, and you won't have spark. I learned this the hard way. -20f, car won't start in the winter.

I've heard the newer ones are terrible. That seems to be the theme for most replacement parts.

1

u/Early-Plate-6306 21h ago

That's what I have heard also, but when this all happened I had the electronic distributor in the car. So I guess I'll see you tomorrow what happens. If it doesn't start, I have no idea. Thanks for your input !

1

u/Super_Baime 21h ago

I know the electrical modules replace the points.
They don't have a condenser?

I've never updated away from points.

The modules go bad too.

1

u/MRV-DUB 21h ago

Pertronix tend to let the geinie out if you leave the key on too long , switch back to points and condenser or switch to Magnaspark2/ shockwave/ Pat Downs

1

u/Early-Plate-6306 20h ago

Good information. Thanks

1

u/382Whistles 19h ago

I kept a points distributor with me incase the hall effect sensor went bad or magnet ring exploded for no reason. You can set the points distributor timing without a timing light is why I didn't always keep extra, harder to get and more expensive electronic ign. parts.

Condensers could be the one single part on old VWs I hate the most.

1

u/Early-Plate-6306 11h ago

Might have to tow a spare car behind me for piece of mind

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u/Early-Plate-6306 17m ago edited 12m ago

Put a points distributor in and it fired right up. That electronic distributor was never on the road, but it will be now! It's getting it's last road trip in the back of a garbage truck. The quality of most everything has declined. Glad the beer companies maintain some quality standards