Bus won't run - seeking advice

[westcalia]

My bus ran fine for 3500 miles this summer, I drove it last Wednesday and Thursday and now my bus will not stay running.

It will "start", I can rev the engine as long as I hold the ignition / key forward, but the second I let go it dies.

I replaced the points, the rotor, and distributor cap, but nothing changed. Checked all the spark plug wires for loose connections, that's seems to be ok.

Any ideas?

[white74westy]

[white74westy]

Did a quick search for you. Here's some information on ignition switches:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/search.php?searc...=titleonly

I hope that helps!

[SamboSamba22]

Ignition switch is my thinking as well.
_________________
The Bus Barn Ltd. Co.

Oct. ’67 Double Cab (’68 Crew Cab)
[url=http://www.vw-mplate.com/mplate-44412.png]Click to view image[/URL]
March '69 Delivery (Panel Bus)
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[aeromech]

I have a deep feeling in my balls and it’s saying you need to replace your ignition switch.
_________________
Lead Mechanic: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
Airbus A319,320,321
DC9/MD80
BAe146
Fokker F28/F100
VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (3 ea.) 1978, 1969
VW Jetta
VW Passat
Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound

[white74westy]

[SamboSamba22]

[aeromech]

It’s an old man thing. You’ll see when you’re 62 like me.

Although, ... it depends
_________________
Lead Mechanic: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
Airbus A319,320,321
DC9/MD80
BAe146
Fokker F28/F100
VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (3 ea.) 1978, 1969
VW Jetta
VW Passat
Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound

[Colonel Mosby]

Condenser maybe? Does sound like the ignition switch. Good luck. Sure would like to know how this turns out.

[Colonel Mosby]

That itty bitty set screw on the ignition drives me nuts. Especially if you accidently drop it. You will need Ant Man to help you find it again.

[westcalia]

Thanks for the comments guys!

I am not sure how this plays into it or if it matters, but the previous owner added a toggle switch that must be switched on before I can start the vehicle.

If that toggle switch is not turned on, theres no power going to the ignition.

I dont know if he did that to bypass the ignition??? I really have no clue as to why it exists - could that switch be bad?

I plan to have it removed but i need someone who is good with the electrical on the bus to help me.

Here are some photos of the switch and which wires they are attached to. I removed all the electrical tape so you can see.

[aeromech]

Here’s what you do....

Run a wire straight from the battery positive to the coil + or 15 terminal. Then crank. If it starts then work backwards
_________________
Lead Mechanic: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
Airbus A319,320,321
DC9/MD80
BAe146
Fokker F28/F100
VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (3 ea.) 1978, 1969
VW Jetta
VW Passat
Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound

[Xevin]

[Wildthings]

You need to use a VOM meter to see if you have power to the coil at various times. Only takes seconds to do if you have a sweetie to turn the key for you. If you don't have a VOM then you might as well buy one now as they are pretty much essential for working on a car of this vintage.

[ronzo]

I’m no electrical engineer, but I always thought a switch is supposed to interrupt a circuit in the path of a conductor.

In your photo it appears the P.O. has put a switch across two different conductors. If you flip that switch you will effectively short circuit whatever those wires are connected to.

I could be wrong, I’m just going by what I see in the pictures.

[Turbod16v]

It obviously runs and revs so it's not in coil or condenser.
Seeing your pics and reading your description, I would start with a ignition switch.
That looks like a bypass for a bad switch that's got worse.
First Remove that toggle switch.
Then Install new ignition switch.

Then proceed further if problem persists.
_________________
1971 westy tin top that got a 74 up pop top bolted on

[Wildthings]

The white looking wire that the added switch is tied into, what color is this actually? What color tracer does it have?

[Abscate]

That workmanship (used loosely) requires ripping that all out, getting the Bus wiring diagram, and restoring to stock.

That is below Failing grade - cold joints, no strain relief.
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[TomWesty]

[ToolBox]