Update: The Vert is ALIVE.
I have had a problem with the Hall ignition unit.
I tested using all the wires, did voltage drop tests, prodded this, wiggled that...
NO GO.
So in frustration, I ordered a 1979 points type disto. I cleaned it / lubed it. I installed a newish looking points set from my 1975 bus I converted to petronix. I used the condensor that came with the disto. I put in an internally regulated bosch Blue coil (no need for the specific resistor wire, just a little green one to the coil neg side.
So, as a cost wrap up:
used disto = $20 (vortex.)
points, etc. = free.
wire = scavaged from a pile, free.
Bosch Blue coil = $35 (VWFLAPS)
2 hours of time to swap including the rebuild clean of the disto...
Driving the vert for 1st time since Thanksgiving = Priceless.
Time has been a precious commodity since I have been back to school for the MBA, I could have / should have done this swap earlier and just skipped all the testing and new parts I put into attempting to resurect the OEM Hall unit - oh the time I have wasted...
I strongly suggest that any one having massive issues with their crumbly MK 1 wiring harness, look at doing this change over if you cannot isolate a single smoking gun.
This really cleans out alot of useless wires after the swap.
I'll get some shots if any one is interested...
I am still thinking a nice side draft set up would work way better than this pain to dial in CIS-E system I have now, that would really clean out the engine bay.
Now the disclamer:
It was neccessary to modify / swap the drive gears in my case, the 1979 drive gear is approx. 2mm larger OD than the 1982 halls unit. This was critical on my engine in that the oil pump drive has a smaller socket for this base. I counted the teeth, and measured the pitch, that part was the same, just the smooth pin through area below is different. After beating on the pin through for like 30 minutes and using an acetaline torch to try to free it up to no avail I gave up on swapping them out and just chucked the 1979 Disto in the large floor mount drill press I have, used a vise as a tool rest and used a 1.5" bastard file edge as a grinder while the shaft was turning. I steadied the disto by holding the body with my left hand while working the file with my right. I could not find my calipers, so I chucked and rechucked 4 times untill It was just right. The height of the short side of the file is more than what is needed to fit down into the oil pump socket.
I still have no battery light prior or after ignition, but I checked the voltage and I am getting the 13.5 V from the Altenator.
I plan on a petronix in the rabbit, but the points were new and I had every thing at home to do it.
Just wanted to throw this out as an option if any one is having the same problems I had, and none of the usuall suspects is the cause.
KC
