VW electrical problem

[lil'_big_truck]

hey all, I know my bug isn't a ranger but i figured you guys could still help me diagnose a problem with it. So the other day I hopped in it and tried to start it up and nothing happened besides the starter motor turning. I tried to push start it and it still wouldn't start. not even a cough. I decided it was probably a wiring issue. I checked to see if there was any spark from the coil and there wasn't so I replaced it. Now with spark from the coil, there is still no spark in the plugs. my question is, is this a distributor problem of the plugs themselves? any help is greatly appreciated. I've been trying to solve this puzzle for a week now .

The engine for those of you who want to see it:

 

[rtg143]

Have you looked at the rotor in the distributor? If there's spark in that wire to the cap and nothing coming through any of the wires, that would mean either the capis shorting inside or the rotor is bad.

 

[lil'_big_truck]

I have absolutely zero experience with a distributor so I'm gonna take it to an off-roard place that specializes in bugs and buggies to see what they can tell me.

 

[lil'_big_truck]

I replaced and upgraded the distributor and nothing. I checked the plug gaps and got some spark, but the engine won't fire. I've got no idea what to do. The engine just turns over and over but nothing, not even a cough. its starting to get immensely frustrating.

 

[alexpmcmurphy]

so you do get spark on the plugs? only things left to check are air and fuel, VWs are dead simple, check the timing. http://www.thesamba.com is like a cheap knockoff of TRS for VWs. lots of good info there if you get too stuck

 

[lil'_big_truck]

thanks a lot. we'll see what happens. I still have no idea why it just suddenly stopped working though

 

[kaytbugsdad]

Are you still using points and condenser??? If so, you might wanna check those...... My choice is to get a Pertronix electronic ignition, drop it in the distributor (I think it takes about 20 minutes to do, and very simple), and be done with the headache of points forever!!!! Every VW I ever owned got one as soon as I got her home!!!

 

[lil'_big_truck]

I got a new electric start distributor. I also just did a compression test and got aroung 90psi for three of the cylinders and 60 for the fourth. I'm thinking that could be the problem? or is it just low because the engine isn't really running, its just turning over?

 

[kaytbugsdad]

The valves could be a little too tightly adjusted when the engine is cold, is the cylinder @ 60 lbs the #3 cylinder?? Thats the one that gets the hottest because it gets the least amount of air flow, due to the oil cooler..... 90 lbs on the other 3 cylinders is OK

 

[lil'_big_truck]

i think it was the #3 cylinder that was at 60, I can't remember off the top of my head. Its the one on the right closest to the bumper