Distributor = tach + spark shorting out

["Paul Krucke" <pkrucke@logistics.calibersys.com>]

     This problem has been popping up frequently, and I have experienced it 
     first hand.  This problem is inate to 16v's, as they get up in miles.
     
     Simply put - The HAL sender in the distributor is one foot in the 
     grave.  Changing a cap and rotor will 'seem' to resolve the problem 
     for a few weeks.
     
     Advice - replace the whole unit with a new one.  One other trouble 
     with the 16v distributor is a seal fails and this can be seen by 
     removing the rotor.  If there is oil on the underside of the rotor the 
     seal is also on its way out.
     
     I speak from experience, and there was another list member a month ago 
     who went through the same ordeal.
     
     Replace your coil while your in there.
     
     -Paul
     87 Scirocco 16v
     87 Jetta GLi
     63 Bug
     90 Audi 90 Quattro 20v
     

______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: tach + spark shorting out
Author:  Rack <rack@pacbell.net> at TGATE
Date:    6/21/97 4:14 AM


Dan Sletten wrote:
>=20
> Well, my roc at least got me home (Bay Area) from San Diego without 
> incident, but it has exhibited a most distressing tendancy upon my 
> return.  This has happened 3 times in the last 2 days:  I'll drive 
> around for ~3 mins after a cold start and then my tach and engine
> go dead for about 1 sec!!!  Leaving it in gear allows it to start 
> up again after this 1 sec interval.  I see in the wiring diagram
> that the tach and the coil both get power from the Ignition Control
> Unit, so I see how they could short out simultaneously, but I'm still 
> not too sure how to track down the culprit.
>=20
> Anyone out there seen this behavior before? 
>=20
> -Dan
> 88 Scirocco 16V
> Palo Alto, CA
>=20
     
The same circuit in the ICU controls both the coil amp and the signal 
out for the tach. (If my electronics background serves me well.)
     
Perhaps the Hall sender in the distributor is going bad. It tells the 
ICU when to fire. Check grounds and power also.
     
I've replaced the ICU to solve this, and it worked for me.
     
--=20
=E8=BF=E9
 v
Roccin 'Ron
El Sobrante CA
88 Rocco 16V=20
88 Vanagon 7 1/2 V (feels that way...) 
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