I just went out to my Bug ta go for a cruise, started her up and backed her outta the drive. Suddenly KaPutt... No go. I checked out the points and the follower had broken off!!! I'd be okay if they were old points, but they're a few months old!!! Stupid Made In India points!!!!!
Nothing an ol' zip-clip can't fix! But only temporary (Last time it happened I drove 80 klicks home with the dizzy cam running on a zip-clip.
Oh well... No cruisin' for me!!
-Staggers.

Simple.. get electronic ignition! Best money i've spent on my car!

Oh by the way is there a cheap electronic alternative?
-Staggers.

Haha, ta jo!
-Staggers.

yep definantly worth going electronic, think of all the time you will save on adjusting points, timing, dwell twice a year. leaving you more time to get the rest of it tip top shape. I got my kit for $70 delivered from george at classic vee dub, duno how much a set of points and condensor are worth but im guessing the kit would pay itself off in the time you own your car easily.

It would've already!!!
-Staggers.

Condensor should last a long time and generally doesn't need replacing, points ~$2-3 that would normally last ~40,000km. So, even if their $5ea and last 20,000km that's 280,000km to pay for an electronic set.

I bought a set for my kombi and beetle a coupla years ago, but really don't see any great benefit for a stock setup, unless you loath setting them.

:beer

dont know bout you andy but my time is money and electronic ign pays 4 itself in no time also factor in the cost of starter motor rebuild as engine with electronic ign starts better EVERY time chuck $70 at it itll love ya
whats that 2 cds or 2 counter lunches or 1/2 a tank of petrol( soon anyway)
"the price of petrol is so high the petrol sniffers are turning to heroine"

time is money :jesus

just bought an electronic ignition. it says that the warranty is void if u dont use a ballast resistor.

as far as i know it lowers the voltage. can anyone explain why and whether i should use one or not

My mechanic didn't want me to get electronic ignition for my Bug when I had points probs. If the car dies, it's a lot harder (if not impossible?) to get the thing started from what I've heard.

Pretty_Blue_Bug with electronic ignition there's nothing for mechanics to routinely do.

its true that when the electronic ignition dies the car can't be started and it needs to be replaced, but the simple safeguard is to throw the set of points that you remove under the rear seat for that occasion to get you home.

lauzboy, i don't know which one you have, but most that i've seen work well with typical coils for vee dubs that have around 3ohms (resistance) built in, without additional ballast. find out if that applies to yours.

I have a Jaycar electronic ignition [kit] that I haven't installed as yet as My engine goes and starts very easily..
It still uses the points and coil, but delivers a LOT more voltage to the spark plugs.....
The high voltage does NOT go thru the points so they will NOT burn, but they will eventually wear on the rubbing block... and need adjusting at much longer intervals... than using the normal system....

but if My electronic ignition should fail, I just hook up the coil & condenser normally and drive away.....

I always use Bosch or Beru points... or any other German brand.... although can be made in Spain, Italy etc..
I suppose most will be Brazillian or Mexican soon....

I recently read that points shouldn't be opened much further than the normal gap, as the spring can break...
I've never heard of that happening before....

Lee

Depending on what system is used Brendan...

Its NOT going to be that easy..... for most drivers....

What Laura says is correct.....

The RACV RACQ NRMA man won't be able to get You going with a Full Electronic Ignition failure......

With Points..... 99% Yes....

Its best to carry a spare set of Points, Rotor & Condenser.
Just in case... and something for the RACQ RACV etc man to use.....

Lee

I had a pertronics elec ignition and it died after 6 months. I changed it on the side of the road. It worked great when it worked though.

i had a magfire one die on me too
it was acautlly a bit doughy with it compare to points too and speaking with a vw mechanic he said electronic ignition needs to be timed abit more advanced than points and i should run my normal 7.5 degree timing mark to the left of the flange behind the pulley instead of the case joint as pictured
tried it with the new one and much better and no pinging anyone else had this?

Joel

RACQ?
Who needs RACQ?!?! I'm my own mechanic, if I get electronic ignition and it breaks down (Chances are it will be less often than points) I'll be able to fix it.
I've only had one experience with an RACQ guy, and he was useless as I ended up fixing it myself. They're told to fix it in a short time or get it towed.
-Staggers.