Date:         Sun, 2 Jan 2000 13:06:46 -0800
Reply-To:     Doktor Tim <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Doktor Tim <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
Subject:      Re: DEAD in my garage on New Year's Day
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At 12:09 PM 01/01/2000 -0800, you wrote:
>To: John Lauterbach <jhlauterbach@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
>From: Doktor Tim <doktortim@rockisland.com>
>Subject: Re: DEAD in my garage on New Year's Day
>
>
>Replace the ignition module, cap and rotor. Heavy loading of the cap/rotor
>contacts and the center carbon are evidence of an ignition module problem,
>typically.


Also typical of Ignition Module failure mode is intermitant function. Spark
sometimes, sometimes weak and sometimes not at all. Follow the Bentley test
procedures for empirical proof of fuction or lack thereof during event.
Just making the the timing light flash is conclusive of intermitant
function only.

The undervoltage/over amperage evidence of the cap/rotor is telling,
empirical evidence of an ignition problem which is controled by the module
in responce to the Hall sensor. Modules fail with twice the frequency of
Hall sensors, unless it is the genuine Bosch module that the dealers don't
sell. The Bosch item is far less prone to failure than the Fairchild and
Telefunken units and it costs more to build in this durability and
resistance to attack from other glitches with which it has to deal.


T.P. Stephens aka Doktor Tim
Surveyor, Mechanic, Poet, Philosopher
San Juan Island, WA