1984 Vanagon Ignition coil

[ecopreneur]

I need to replace my original ignition coil but have concerns about buying the correct one. I just replaced the spark plug wires and had to send a set back because I bought the kind with a pin. My distributor cap does not have a pin in the bottom of the holes which is why the first set did not fit. When I look for coils they do not specify if there is a pin in the bottom of the coil hole. My old coil is bosch but you cannot read the label for model number. Bus depot and go westy sells different part numbers/ models and do not specifiy if they have a pin in the hole. Anybody have s source or brand/part number for a coil without the pin in the hole that works for a vanagon. Thanks, Fred

1984 Vanagon Westy

[tencentlife]

Regardless of year, buy the 86-91 coil, cap, and wires. Bosch Ultra Premium wires only. You'll still need the 83-85 rotor because the later rotor won't fit your dist. shaft. Go all pins or go home. Coil characteristics are very important but the later coil has the right characteristics for early or late ign. systems. The main thing is the pin connectors are a longer-lived upgrade because they're just a better design, the older connectors are a cheap-ass bodge that is much more prone to corrosion, and they just like to fall apart.
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[Auzzyrocks]

Hi there,

I had the same question - so thank you for answering that for me!

However, while upgrading my '84's earlier style cap/wires/coil, I noticed that the older cap has a pin on the inside, coming from the centre wire, that seems to rest on the top of the rotor, making a connection.

I bought a later style distributor cap (with the pins), but there does not seem to be the inside pin to make contact with the replacement (original style) rotor...

Do I need to find a later style cap with the internal pin as well? You can see the piece I am talking about in this photo:

http://www.busdepot.com/030905207 (on the 'right' distributor, you can see a grey metal pin inside)

Thank you for any advice you may have!

Austin

[E1]

I recently needed a coil so listened to Van Cafe on upgrading everything to the later style TenCent mentions.
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If ever twice as rich, we’re gettin’ a double-wide
’84 “Westfailure”/2.1 Digijet/5.43 Ring & Pinion/Peloquin/D-rated BFG KO2s

AI has spoken to further illiteracy, to steal, to cheat, and to replace humans
The caveman’s first question to the headhunter: “Hey, you got any coffee?”

[jlrftype7]

While I fully agree that the PIN style which superceded the older Brass Terminal Style is better in several ways, not the least of which a more positive engagement of Plug Wire to Distributor Cap, or in other vehicles with Electronic Coil /Distributorless Ignition Systems, a Plug Wire to Coil Connection for Multiple Coil Systems,
There is however, one trick with the older style terminals you can use to your advantage on the side of the road or broken down in a parking lot. You can usually coax them open with common tools, to cut a new section of plug wire and recrimp the terminal onto the wire for a plug wire repair if it's at or very close to an end. Handy if you have a long enough plug wire to pull this off...
With the Crimped Pin System, you'd need the special pin terminals, and the crimping pliers for them that aren't that common.
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'68 Westy- my first VW and vehicle/Bus- long gone.- sold it to a traveling Swiss couple....
'67 Type 3 Fastback, my 2nd car- gone
'69 Semi-Auto Stick Shift Beetle-gone
2017 MINI Coopers, our current DDs
‘84 Tin Top - Hilga....Auto

[Ahwahnee]

I just carry a spare of the longest plug wire.

[tencentlife]

[Auzzyrocks]

Thanks, tencentlife -

That clears things up - the later style cap that I have definitely does not have the centre contact inside, which is odd as it was brand new, in the box!

I now know exactly what cap I need, and I will be upgrading to the later coil/wire/cap system tonight, once I troubleshoot my current no crank/ no start issue...
I'll be following the troubleshooting guide you laid out in another post - so thank you, again!

Fingers crossed it's just a ignition switch or loose ground strap..

[Hatterasker]

Apparently neither the proper Bosch ignition coil nor pin style wires are something you can just grab on the fly in need in Ellensburg on a Saturday …
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1990 Vanagon Westfalia