No Spark from Ignition Coil

[liam_0404]

Hi Scirocco people,
Just purchased my first Mk2 Scirocco GT and having trouble getting it to start.
I replaced the ignition coil, but still have no spark when I earth the HT lead from the coil onto the block.
I have 12v across the Coil and resistance so coil seems all good.
I seem to be heading down the "poor earth" root but pulling my hair out a bit
Fuel is at the carb and spark plugs are all good. I have tried another HT lead from the coil and still no luck. Also tired earthing directly to the battery and direct from the + but still no joy
Any ideas or hints would be appreciated.
Liam

[james butler]

when you say earth the lead to the block you dont literally touch the lead to the block?
you need a gap for it to jump thus proving theres a spark.
the other thing that might be a problem is the igniton amplifier but you will need to get a haynes manual to tell you how to test it as i cant remember of the top of my head.

[liam_0404]

No I've been holding it slightly away from the block so it should jump.
I put a 12v bulb in series with the negative terminal to check for a short, and it did light up. Removed all fuses but bulb remained lit so
traced the cables back all the way to the fuse board and beyond. After a while of tracing cables and hacking at the loom all things seemed to be pointing to the ignition switch. Put a tester on the terminals and there was a short across the switch.
The previous owner did mention the radio was draining the battery when the ignition was off, which is one of the symptoms of a faulty ignition switch.
Hopefully replacing it this week so should see how we get on!

[duggers]

If its turning over on the key and you've no spark i suggest testing the ignition module supply. Had something similar last year,


So if you're getting 12v in the test above the module could be borked. Mine just packed up one day with no hint of degradation prior to that.
The module is pretty generic from the 80's and available new for about £20 on the bay of evil

[liam_0404]

If its turning over on the key and you've no spark i suggest testing the ignition module supply. Had something similar last year,


So if you're getting 12v in the test above the module could be borked. Mine just packed up one day with no hint of degradation prior to that.
The module is pretty generic from the 80's and available new for about £20 on the bay of evil

After tracing it back I did this a few weeks ago. I did exactly as you said above and it was the ignition module, replaced it and fired first time.
Thanks again everyone for the help.