Helpful advice, thank you

 

The condensor (really a capacitor) will look like a circuit to your digital multi-meter. You do need to check that the points are opening and closing the coil circuit, but you'll probably have to unhook the condensor to make it look like a normal switch to the meter. For the test, the points should basically be the only thing in the circuit with you meter.

Dan

 

But it shouldn't have continuity? If it does, it's clearly bad

 

Ross,

A discharged capacitor that is attached to ground will look like a path to ground to a digital ohm-meter....for a couple of seconds, then it will charge up and appear to be an open circuit. Unless you have a buzz-box that is a circuit tester that uses an AC current....that will work normally. Also, I haven't been having much luck with the condensers/capacitors that I've been buying lately....it is very possible to have a shorted condenser causing problems.

The best practice is to isolate that points circuit from all of the external features for diagnosis. That way if the screws are shorting out the points it'd show up right away.

Dan

 

an update...i went basic and did continuity test after disconnecting and reconnecting each component

points break there continuity as they should with negative leads connected to coil, condenser connected, but the moment i connect the positive wires from ignition switch to coil, i get this problem where i have continuity all over the points and distributor body even with points open.

working it out

 

I like to use a teat light , not a meter . Like you static time one .

 

Are you using an ohmmeter to test for continuity? Or a test probe with a light?

Where are you measuring continuity from, when you are checking the points? Ground?

 

I GREATLY prefer teat lights, too!

 

Yup Should have been test , heck

 

LOL, Just pulling your leg!

 

I still prefer using a TEST light for these old systems . I sold My 73 VW with 408K on it . I did a lot of point testing and setting over the years ! Now my tractors and my 53 are all I own with points . I still break out the test lamp .

 

By the way I gave $300 for the Vdub , years later , Sold for $1250 !

 

Problem solved! Turns out I have a short in the ignition switch wires going to coil. Replaced with a new wire and it fired right up

 

Glad you got it fixed ! THANKS for posting your fix ! I hate dead threads .