Timing Issue 12 volt '64 bug

[1960vw]

Trying to time a '64 bug ( 12 volt system switch over a few years ago) with Bosch 009 distributor. New points installed. I replaced coil with extra good one to be sure it was working right and have power going to coil. Tested with test light. Problem is that with power on and lead attached to coil side to distributor, no matter how I turn distributor, no indication of power going to points. Light on tester do not go on. I made sure test light properly grounded. I looked at points as I adjust distributor and they are opening and closing as they should. Still I cannot get test light to light up. Could condensor be bad? How can I test if power is going to points from coil? Thanks for any help!

[Pruneman99]

Clean the contacts on the new points. Sometimes there is some oil? residue? or something on the surface that needs cleaned off.

Are you just trying to static time it to get it started? For a 009, you need to time to 30* BTDC at max advance, approx 3k rpms.

So I just put the engine on TDC #1, and make sure the rotor is pointing at #1. Usually that's close enough to start it and time with the light. You may have to advance or retard it a bit to start it initially. I can tell by the sound what why I need to go if it doesn't start by how the engine sounds.

[1960vw]

Trying to static so I can get it running. Them I will use timing light to set advance. Will clean points and give it a try. Thanks

[Cusser]

1. Make sure to et the points at 0.016 inches WHEN the rubbing block of the points is on one of the distributor cam lobes.

2. Make sure the wire from the distributor is connected to the negative side (#1) of the coil, and all the other wires are on coil terminal #15 (positive terminal).
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1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297

[1960vw]

Thanks pruneman! Cleaned points , got timed, VW world is back to normal !!!

[Pruneman99]

[Eric&Barb]

Just to help skip future confusion.

When static light lights up, the points are not making contact and so should be open.

When points are closed the static light should be turned off.

Electricity will only follows the least resistance path back to battery/gen. Static light incandescent bulb works by resistance to electricity passing thru the bulb filament. So much resistance that the filament gets to be red hot and so glows. Where as the points if clean should make no electrical resistance.
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In Stereo, Where Available!

[1960vw]

I have an old greased up copy of John Muirs Idiot book and indeed he stated to clean points prior to installation as timing light will not work properly. I guess he should know, may he rest in peace.

[Eric&Barb]

[herbie1200]

I do not like to clean new points. Risk of removing their protective surface treatment.

Instead, once mounted: with ignition on and distributor cap off, move them with a screwdriver, until they start sparkling.

They are self-cleaning with the electricity, you only have to start the process.