Loss is of power - Electrics

Sorry this will be a long post.

So much of my tinkering gets me running and I have a feeling I know the answer to this one but need some more options before dumping loads of cash on parts I don’t need.

So replaced a vacuum pipe on the inlet manifold a few weeks back and ever since has been idleing high. Before replacing ignition timing was a about 10 deg TDC. So with vac pipe fixed then I assume I was running too advanced but was still running ok. Since then changes suspension and radiator, so nothing to impose engine running. Battery went flat in the mean time also but once again nothing major.

Took it for a test drive last week and it back fired (out the exhaust not inlet manifold) and at the same time lost all power. Happened after accelerating hard and as I dipped the clutch rev counter just died, car lurched forward as I raise the pedal engine restarts and people duck and scream as the backfire shoots out the exhaust. Does it a couple of time and when I get home turn it off it simply would not start no matter what.

Today I mess about with the timing by ear (I don’t have a gun) and set it to about 1000 Rpm so probably slight too advance by maybe not who knows.

Took it for a run and all good for the first 2 or three miles. Then after giving it some juice rev count dies and baaaannngggg. Then all good all the way back home besides idle is a little high.

So lift the bonnet and go to adjust the dizzy a little to drop the revs to just about 950. As I touch it the engine goes to die but does not stall and carries on.

So giving the cable to the cable that goes to the electronic ignition (black plug on the side of the dizzy) the revs start cutting in and out then it dies. So nice loose connection here.

Cable, plug and connector all look a little past it and I also noticed a screw missing from my vac advance module on the dizzy.

I assume when putting some decent load on the engine the cable is vibrating or flexing and causing the ignition to fail. As the engine dies and I lift the clutch it bump starts as speed and then I get the nice exhaust back fire.

Still with me - good -  what’s your thoughts.

EG engine 1.6 GTI 1980.

How easy is it to strip it off and put a new one on a r should is simple focus on the connector itself as the part is likely ok.

Some pictures.




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