Starting motor off battery

rogerd20 · Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2017 4:06 pm Post subject: Starting motor off battery

Okay guys, I just got a 73 westy that I'm wanting to test the motor in. The factory wiring in the engine bay is a bit of a mess. I remember testing a old vw motor years ago just off of a battery. I'm just wondering if the same is possible with a type 4 motor. I ran a wire from the hot on the battery to the hot on the ignition coil and a ground from the battery to the ground on the ignition coil. When I power the starter it cranks but no spark. Am I going about this the wrong way? Anyone ever do this?

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

DuaneL · Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2017 4:31 pm Post subject: Re: Starting motor off battery

rogerd20 · Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2017 4:43 pm Post subject: Re: Starting motor off battery

I have the main ground wire from the body hooked up as well

DuaneL · Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2017 4:49 pm Post subject: Re: Starting motor off battery

But if you have a ground hooked up to the coil you will not get a spark, the spark is created by the points opening and removing the ground to the coil (points closed coil is grounded points open ground is removed from coil and spark occurs)
_________________
____________
1971 std bug, 1776, ACN Super Stock 34-3, dvda dist, 27x8.50 14 tires

busdaddy · Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2017 5:20 pm Post subject: Re: Starting motor off battery

My money's on corroded or dirty points, pinch some clean brown paper bag between them and shine them up, then see if you get a spark.
_________________
Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.

Please don't PM technical questions, ask your problem in public so everyone can play along. If you think it's too stupid post it here
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

Слава Україні!

rogerd20 · Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2017 5:51 pm Post subject: Re: Starting motor off battery

I Removed the ground from
The battery to the coil, and cleaned all points. Still no spark. I may try putting a nice ground strap directly from the battery to the engine tomorrow.

busdaddy · Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2017 5:55 pm Post subject: Re: Starting motor off battery

Connect a test light between the primary terminals on the coil an watch it as you crank, flash flash flash?, steady?, or dark when cranking?
_________________
Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.

Please don't PM technical questions, ask your problem in public so everyone can play along. If you think it's too stupid post it here
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

Слава Україні!

rogerd20 · Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2017 5:59 pm Post subject: Re: Starting motor off battery

I'll try it first thing tomorrow when I get off work and update you.

rogerd20 · Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2017 2:33 pm Post subject: Re: Starting motor off battery

I cleaned all the points again and put a ground strap on, fired on the first crank. Can't thank you guys enough for the help. Very Happy


Hello! Log in or Register \| Help \| Donate \| Buy Shirts	See all banner ads \| Advertise on TheSamba.com

	Forum Index -> Bay Window Bus	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page 1 of 1