| Author |
Message |
dtobler
Samba Member
Joined: December 23, 2007
Posts: 9
Location: San Diego
|
 Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2025 6:55 pm Post subject: 71 ghia will not start. |
 |
|
I have a 71 ghia. It will not start. Fuel line is fine. I pulled a spark plug out and there was no spark. I am assuming it is electrical. No loose wires Any suggestions
Should I check the coil or distributor? Thanks. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
wagen19
Samba Member
Joined: November 16, 2007
Posts: 650
Location: germany
|
| Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2025 9:53 am Post subject: Re: 71 ghia will not start. |
|
|
| dtobler wrote: |
I have a 71 ghia. It will not start. Fuel line is fine. I pulled a spark plug out and there was no spark. I am assuming it is electrical. No loose wires Any suggestions
Should I check the coil or distributor? Thanks. |
Member since 2007 and that kind of questions?
It sounds like you could benefit from a Mentor or a book.
Found the following text here on Samba:
If you do not already have a copy, buy an Idiot's Guide. It will put you in the right mindset to be one with your car.
eg:
https://www.amazon.com/Keep-Volkswagen-Alive-Step-Step/dp/1566913101
Or find a willing and competend mechanic locally. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
dtobler
Samba Member
Joined: December 23, 2007
Posts: 9
Location: San Diego
|
| Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2025 5:20 pm Post subject: Re: 71 ghia will not start. |
|
|
| I think I have that book somewhere in my attic. My ghia has run so well for so long that i thought there would possibly be a some advice. My main mechanic had to retire because he had a stroke so I do not have that luxury. I will shop around for a mechanic. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
sctbrd
Samba Member
Joined: May 06, 2013
Posts: 281
Location: Moravia, Czech Republic
|
| Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2025 9:28 pm Post subject: Re: 71 ghia will not start. |
|
|
Start at the beginning (this order will help narrow it down)-
power at the coil, pull the center distributor HT wire and check for a spark, do the condenser check, open the distributor and check the contacts get a spark, and the rotor is not bad (high resistance/open).
You dont need a mentor if someone is willing to actually answer your question. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
kingkarmann
Samba Member
Joined: November 05, 2003
Posts: 4492
|
| Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2025 10:41 am Post subject: Re: 71 ghia will not start. |
|
|
| sctbrd wrote: |
Start at the beginning (this order will help narrow it down)-
power at the coil, pull the center distributor HT wire and check for a spark, do the condenser check, open the distributor and check the contacts get a spark, and the rotor is not bad (high resistance/open).
You dont need a mentor if someone is willing to actually answer your question. |
Good advice.
I will add that the braided transmission to frame mount ground strap had been a source of headaches if not clean and tight.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
cyclonehol77
Samba Member
Joined: July 08, 2024
Posts: 8
Location: CA
|
| Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2025 10:34 pm Post subject: Re: 71 ghia will not start. |
|
|
Hey there, I had a situation recently where my car would not start after running fine. I thought it was the battery but after charging it, it still would not start. I moved on to checking some of the other components like the battery cables, the starter, etc. and it turned out to be the wire in the back seat that goes to the solenoid had become disconnected inside the wire connector. So, I just cleaned it up inside and reconnected and the car started right up. I would note I was fiddling around in the back doing some work on the luggage tray so it was on me, but it was not readily apparent that it had become disconnected.
(This picture is from someone on Samba in the forum who solved the mystery for me!) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
