my tach no longer functions... How do I test my trailing ignition coil? My 87 T2 doesn't suffer from any driving disablilities, if in fact my trailing coil is no longer working. How might I go about looking at this problem? And one last question what's the max speed in first gear?

Any help would be apreciated...

 

pull of the plugs when teh car is running. they should spark.

I can get to almost about 28mph in 1st in my 87' N/A, which seems a little low to me.
I'm not sure about other cars.

 

You mean I should pull off the wires from the trailing coil and the spark should arch?

 

Try this HIGH TECH solution: Rap on the face of the combination meter (gauges). The tach will return. Magic.

 

I had a non-funtioning tach for quite a while. A local rotary mechanic suggested I run a new ground wire from the coil's mounting bracket. I did that and the tach now works flawlessly.

I'd check your grounds and even add another.

 

this may be kinda obvious, but did u check the fuses? near the clutch pedal? i also drove w/o tach for 2 months, and now i am a better driver

 

Great...Anyone order the combo SHOCK meal? With a side of ELECTROCUTION?

Anyone ever heard of using a TIMING LIGHT to test for spark?

jarrett

 

I tried the rapping thing... no success. Tomarrow I'll try another ground.

And what exactly is a timing light?

Thanks for your help so far I'll get back to you guys

 

I am at a loss for words....

The timing light is this interesting little device that senses the spark pulse via "induction". It lights a strobe when it senses this pulse (assuming it has 12v and a ground on the other 2 leads).

This device helps you ensure your vehicle is set to the proper timing. Also doubles as a handy spark troubleshooting device. Also fun to point at people.

Jarrett

 

dammit why does nobody tell me if these fixes work!
and if they didn't work what did?