[Public-List] A4 woes

[Gordon Laco]

Thanks Michael,

It has been too long since I changed the points, condenser, dist cap, rotor
and plugs so I will do all that today.  The plugs looked terrible and the
distributor cap and rotor showed obvious signs of pitting and deterioration.
I am just going to go ahead and replace them all.

I will write later to report how it went.  The engine has run absolutely
flawlessly for years; I guess I was foolish in not doing what I know should
be basic maintenance.

Gord



> Gord -
> I am in the same boat ;-)  Still getting the A4 running after taking
> it mostly apart this winter.
> 
> Definitely test for a spark as C.B. described - make sure the gas is
> off and there is no gas in the bilge!
> 
> One thing to be sure of is that your battery is fully charged. If you
> check the voltage at the coil when the the starter is running you may
> find it drops well below what's neccesary for a healthy spark. This
> indicates a weak battery, poor connections (including ground) or both.
> 
> Regarding electronic ignition, I agree with George that it's not
> required. I put it in because it eliminated one uncertainty when I had a
> lot of things to evaluate. It's not a large job - a few fairly delicate
> operations.
> 
> 
> Mike
> Rinn Duin #272
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: public-list-bounces at lists.alberg30.org
> [mailto:public-list-bounces at lists.alberg30.org] On Behalf Of Gordon Laco
> Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2008 8:50 PM
> To: Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all
> Subject: [Public-List] A4 woes
> 
> Hi gang - 
> 
> Well SURPRISE is in the water; new cutlas bearing all fine, mast up and
> rig sorted out.
> 
> The engine, which has been a good girl for nine years would not even
> cough.
> It spins fine but there is no hint of firing.
> 
> I did the carb cleaning thing with solvents; replaced the fuel filter;
> confirmed that fuel is getting into the carb.
> 
> Then turned my attention to the ignition system... The points were
> replaced about six or seven years ago I guess I left them too long.  The
> points themselves look fine but there are signs of pitting etc on the
> distributor cap contacts and on the rotor.  I guess I should see about
> replacing the rotor, cap and points.
> 
> All of which brings to mind the issue of electronic ignition... What do
> you folks think of that?  Maybe I should switch over.  Is it much of a
> job?
> 
> I am a little crestfallen - this seems to  be the year for engine
> related trauma.
> 
> Gord #426 Surprise
> 
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