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Speedster Electrical Gremlins
Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2014 7:36 am
by Mustang Sally
Hi Guys, some advice please!
We've converted to electronic ignition and I have been having some weird electrical hassles. Started with replacing coil (twice) as well as the trigger(control) unit (twice!).
All of those were Midas no-name brand components and I thought the Chinese kids putting them together probably just had bad days so replaced both coil and trigger unit with Beru's. Initially went like the clappers - problem solved! Or so I thought...
Now again missing at certain revs, pulling like sh*t and very uneven idling. This has now got me worried that perhaps my engine bay is running too hot? Has anybody else come across this problem? Thoughts???

Re: Speedster Electrical Gremlins
Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2014 9:18 am
by acpaterson
I cannot offer any input as I don't have the required experience, but pls keep us updated on the process and results buddy.
But, saying it DID work, and then deteriorates, could there be a problem with your Generator or recharge circuit? Possibly damaging new electronic ignition?
Re: Speedster Electrical Gremlins
Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2014 9:27 am
by arnocill
Buy a genuine bosch coil from golf at a scrapyard. They very seldom give any problems and are a far better bet than any replacement coil.
Re: Speedster Electrical Gremlins
Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2014 9:27 am
by Tony Z
its not the engine bay that is killing the units, its the current passing through them and the heat from being inside a closed dizzy
it might help to drill a hole in the dizzy cap to add ventialtion
it will help to check that your coil has enough internal resistance, like a a stock beetles coil
it will help to add a small resistor to your coil
it will help if you use a spark box like MSD as the trigger unit will now not carry any current
cheapest and best option is to go back to stock points
Re: Speedster Electrical Gremlins
Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2014 9:30 am
by Tony Z
arnocill wrote:Buy a genuine bosch coil from golf at a scrapyard. They very seldom give any problems and are a far better bet than any replacement coil.
those are electronic ignition coils
will overload the pickup and burn it out
Remember the "electronic conversion" units that you put in the dizzy do not give you electronic ignition. It replaces the mechanical points with an electronic switch - thats all. The same rules apply.
Re: Speedster Electrical Gremlins
Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2014 12:20 pm
by Dazz
I have had similar results when my porcelain resistor cracked due to old age once. perhaps look at that?
Re: Speedster Electrical Gremlins
Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2014 9:27 pm
by Mustang Sally
Decided to start with basics. She was due for a service so did all that and found no 1 spark plug all fouled up. Go figure!
Set of new plugs as well as new plug leads and she was as thankful as that leather assed chic with a new credit card! Pulled like a cart horse....for half a day.
Now missing worse than ever between 1000 and 2000 revs. Idles fine and if you manage to get over 2000 revs, reasonable. In between - up to sh*t.
Given up now and dropped her off with a buddy of mine who understands about positive and negative wires. Hope like hell he can figure this out. Watch this space...
Re: Speedster Electrical Gremlins
Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2014 11:38 pm
by Bugger
Remove the same plug position and have a look at the Plug to see if it is not fouled up again that will give indication possible problems but spark plugs today is not good Quality
Re: Speedster Electrical Gremlins
Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2014 3:48 am
by Tony Z
are you using unleaded fuel?
Re: Speedster Electrical Gremlins
Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 5:56 pm
by Mustang Sally
No unleaded fuel, only putting in Red Petrol.
Re: Speedster Electrical Gremlins
Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 9:39 pm
by retrovan
Mustang Sally wrote:No unleaded fuel, only putting in Red Petrol.
That be your problem right there.
You can run any aircooled on Unleaded, as they all have hard valve seats inserts in their heads.
Also check compression, you may be bringing oil up from the sump, past the rings. (Broken oil ring)
Is she smoking when running, or when you decelerate.
Have you got the correct plugs in the engine.
Herman
Re: Speedster Electrical Gremlins
Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2014 3:59 am
by Tony Z
I suspect that could be your issue.
Put in new plugs and unleaded fuel and see if that helps
LRP is known for fouling up spark plugs
Re: Speedster Electrical Gremlins
Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2014 1:54 pm
by Mustang Sally
Thanks guys! Never realised she could run on Unleaded. Will definitely try it out and let you know.
Re: Speedster Electrical Gremlins
Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2014 9:27 am
by acpaterson
I suggest you change the 'sex" of your Porsche.. Can you not see how tempramental "she's" are now??? Mine are only boys now, helps for oyu to establish a good working relationship with them.
Re: Speedster Electrical Gremlins
Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2014 9:47 am
by Dazz