TheSamba.com :: View topic - 1973 T2 Bus, coil gets no power (troubleshoot help)

Wed Jun 11, 2025 5:38 pm

Hello, I have a 1973 t2 bus and it won’t start anymore. Was working fine for about a month since I got it and will not start anymore. Took out spark plugs and they look good but aren’t getting any spark, put multi meter to the coil and it comes back as 0. I will attach pictures below if someone could take a look and see if there is anything that looks off about it. Also have this weird red wire that attaches to the coil draped over the engine that I do not exactly know the purpose of but it leads to automatic electronic fuel pump (maybe to give power and it melted away from being in contact with the top of the engine) no idea please help

Fri Jun 13, 2025 4:50 am

That “weird” red wire provides power to that electric fuel pump. If it melted, it’s not providing power. Without power, the pump does not pump fuel. Without fuel, the engine will not run. The coil is providing power when the ignition switch is “on”. Replace the melted wire; add an inline fuse to protect the circuit in the event of another meltdown; run the wire in a way that makes it less likely to get too hot.

Fri Jun 13, 2025 8:46 am

If your red wire grounded out enough to melt its insulation, it may have taken the ignition switch out at the same time, or something else in the #15 ignition circuit. Unplug the red wire and see what voltage you then have at the same terminal on the coil.

Fri Jun 13, 2025 12:29 pm

you need to go thru that wiring, it is awful. Does it have an electronic module instead of points? If so that is a potential reason it is not running.

Fri Jun 13, 2025 1:00 pm

it looks like a standard points type coil. There are two circuits to check in the coil, primary & secondary windings. I would start right THERE.
Also look under the orange cap to be sure it's a points system. Meaning cap off rotor off. You should see a spring & rubbing block. (analog points system) or a chunk of plastic (digital type).