Installed Pertronix distributor and coil; now engine won't start

[Kevin1957]

I installed a Petronix distributor and compatible coil in my '72. The engine turns over but doesn't fire. No such problem before the installation. Any troubleshooting suggestions would be appreciated.

[Danwvw]

Photos? How did you hook it up? Is the pic-up magnet in place? What about the thing that mounts where the points did is it in place? Did you remove the distributor when working on it? Not sure how you time one of these? Probably need a powered timing light. Did you re-Time the engine? Don't forget the rotor!
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1960 Beetle And 1679cc DP W-100 & Dual Zeniths!

[c21darrel]

If you have the correct pertronix for your dist the issue could be...
wired wrong
bad pertronix part
the rotor can stick on the dist cap
Did you move the dist and change timing?
Good chance you are not the first to have this issue....
oh, looky here, you are in good company. Its fairly common so someone had the same issue as you.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/search.php?q=pertronix%20wont%20start
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Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

[heimlich]

Check the timing. Keep turning the distributor little by little until it starts and then you can time it correctly.
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[NOVA Airhead]

Is the cap seated and secure?

Not trying to be funny but I did that once.
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[heimlich]

[Kevin1957]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Hopefully I'll figure it out this weekend.

[sputnick60]

[okie mopar]

Just bought a 74 Ghia, the man had put a new petronix with a new not rebuilt carb. Car starts easy but seems to be missing as your driving it. It is really bad about picking up power at a stop sign and getting going. Help me, I know nothing about these cars. Thanks

[70 140]

[okie mopar]

No vaccum on it , it is the new distbuter with the red cap. I'll have to see if I can get some pictures of them. not very good on this puter either.

[satterley_sr]

If you pulled out the stock distributor and installed a 009 style distributor, the number one wire is in a different location on the cap. Stock at TDC rotor is pointing at about 10 o'clock. 009 it is pointing at about 4 o'clock.
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DDC racing

[okie mopar]

I think I found the biggest problem, the electric choke isn't opening on the new carb. and I think it probably needs the valves set. at least that is a start before I take it to a shop. Does this sound like a plan to you ?

[andk5591]

Does the choke have power to it? Should have 12V as soon as the ignition is switched on. Valves should be adjusted whenever you get a new car. You dont know when they were done last.
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[okie mopar]

There is power to the choke, it is just not set right. Thanks for info !

[satterley_sr]

The choke being closed should not cause a no start. I would check for spark first. Pull a plug wire, insert a screw driver in the boot, hold the blade of the screwdriver about 1/8 inch from the engine case. Have someone crank the engine. You should see a good spark between the blade and the engine case. Make sure there are no gas leaks first!

let us know what you find.
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DDC racing

[70 140]

Set the valves with the engine cold.

Monkey around with whatever screws on the carb it takes to keep the engine running. Wind it up to 3000rpm using a portable tachometer - set the timing to 30 degrees at 3000rpm.

Reset all of the carb adjustments to the neutral starting point. Begin adjusting carb as per Bentley manual.

This should get you a decent running engine. Assuming you have good spark, in the correct order and you don't have any vacuum leaks. Once it's running smooth run it up to 3k rpm and double check the 30 degrees. As mentioned, the 009 mechanical advance distributor isn't the best option, but it can work.

[hazmatty3614]

I just went through this exact issue. My problem was that I was not TDC on the #1 cylinder when I timed it. Once I verified TDC on # 1 by turning pulley with my left hand and watching the valves move, and static timed to 7.5* BTDC it fire right up and idled.

[70 140]

[okie mopar]

It starts good it is after it gets warmed up when it start running bad with no power. The choke doesn't open any while it is running.