VW Golf ignition

[Andyvon]

My 1984 Mk.2 Golf has a strange quirk which has baffled me since I bought the car in 1987. It seems as if the ignition is producing slightly too much current, although I've never found a cause.

The main feature is that I have to change the points every 1,500 miles as they burn out. If I fit replacement Lucas or Intermotor parts the car won't run as it's only happy on genuine VW points. I also have to set the points gap to a whopping 0.40 thou, although the manual says 0.18! Any less and the car is sluggish and starts missing after about 100 miles when the points foul. When I set a .40 thou gap the car is sweet as a nut until the points burn out after 1,500 miles and I have to fit new.

I've changed all the ignition components several times over the years - 4 or 5 coils (the correct ones), 3 alternators, numerous condensers, lead sets, new distributor etc. I keep everything fairly new and always fit VW parts.

The other thing is that when I switch the headlights on the fuel and temp gauges immediately climb slightly higher than when the lights are off. That's obviously connected to this ignition query.

The car was doing the same thing in 1987 but I assumed it was a defective coil. Everything has been renewed several times over the years though and it's never made a difference. If I mention it to VW or motor traders they just say the coil which I know it isn't.

The car's now done 238,000 miles and I would go anywhere in it. We toured north France in May. It's quite happy with new points and a big gap but I've fitted so many sets of points now (over 100!). Electronic conversion isn't easy as VW stopped making the engine in 1984. I would have to use two kits and I don't want to mess about like that.

It would be nice if someone could suggest a reason for this. I could then let VW shut down their points production line!

Thanks in anticipation.

[wilkesneil]

i'm not sure reallybut i had a similar problem on my 1987gti. I bypassed the coil pack on an electrical switch i added myself. I had no problems then, but my probs were just starting the car. The only thing i can suggest is to call MIDLAND VW on 01543 495700. These are a good garage and specialise in the vw/audi group. They dont sell cars but just repair and they are superb at telling you what is wrong.

[TWR]

Hi Andy, Sounds as if you have a decent engine there! anyway to your problem, have you tried the Voltage regulator?

[chas2008]

the amount of money you have already spent you could have fitted a 'LUMINITION OPTRONIC'. kit. would solve all the problems.Back in the days when i drove cars with normal points/condensers etc. the first thing i did was fit one of these kits..nothing complicated either.

[red-forest.]

sounds like an earthing fault,could be the main earth lead from battery to engine block,or maybe the distributor not earthed enough,have you tried putting a jump lead from neg of battery to engine block / distributor,or it might be just the casing of the condenser not earthed properly.

[richtee]

Hi Andy, Have to agree with Chas- thats the way to go. Your problem is almost certainly with the condenser. Its does 2 things basically. Prevents arcing of the points(which is destroying your points), and it also boosts the spark at the points, which is why you are having to play with the points gap to get power. Check for good 12 volts at points, and do what red-forest suggests- hope you get a result.

[Andyvon]

Sorry it's been a few days guys but I was away.

I have enquired about Luminition Chas and I have had no luck at all. My local Luminition agent says that I would have to purchase two sets and take parts from both for my car. I don't fancy messing about like that and when I've visited vehicle electrical specialists they take my details but then never get back.

Thanks for the tips about the earthing faults guys. I simply never considered it might be something as simple as that. I'll check those out as soon as I get a chance.

The contact with Midland VW is great wilkesneil. I'll call them about this and I'm sure there will be things in the future.

Some people say get another car but this one has been with me so many years I could never part with it. Apart from this niggle with the points I've never had a problem.

Thanks a million everyone.