TheSamba.com :: View topic - Do i need to change my 68 bug to alternator???

Wed Oct 23, 2013 12:04 pm

SO i recently bought a 68 bug with a fresh motor. ive completely rewired the car with an oem harness.
I also replaced the ignition system. But i am not getting spark to the distributor.
The car was wired professionally & all lights work but i cant figure out why it is not getting spark!
I realized that 68 and on came stock with an alternator, but i have a generator. would that be the problem? :evil:

Wed Oct 23, 2013 12:12 pm

jakepauldominguez wrote: I realized that 68 and on came stock with an alternator, but i have a generator. would that be the problem? :evil:

Well - you realized wrong !!!

These had generators until about 1974. No, you don't need to change to an alternator at all, I still run generators in mine.

jakepauldominguez wrote: I also replaced the ignition system. But i am not getting spark to the distributor. The car was wired professionally & all lights work but i cant figure out why it is not getting spark!

This issue has like nothing to do with the generator, unless the battery will not spin the engine at the correct speed. Assuming that you're correct about not getting spark (like you confirmed "no spark" using aerosol starting fluid), first check that distributor positive terminal #15 gets positive voltage when the key is on. Only the lead to the distributor should be on coil terminal #1.

Let us know if you have points ignition, and whether the points actually close and open the correct amount when the engine turns (correct 0.016 inch gap, or dwell between 44 and 50 degrees). That's the start.