2.0 aba 8v help

[Rupertfl]

I got my 81 rabbit (2.0 swap) on Saturday, Sunday I got to work as I was trying to find out why the car won't start I found out this. Everything from the battery to the distributer cap is reading 12.4 volts, but when I put the cap back on and test a spark plug wire, it stays at 0. Do I need a new distributer or what's going on?
The car turns and has good compression, new starter, new battery, new battery cables, all interior electronics works with the key, just will not start.

[HAULN-SS]

Does it have an ignition module inside the distributor cap? Might be bad

[Rupertfl]

It has some kind of "floating" contact pin, it is a new cap I don't know if got the wrong one or if the rotary contact is bad, but it doesn't show signs of wear

[davej]

did you replace the condenser yet? and are your points ok/gaped correctly?

[JPolen01]

Paging Paul Galleron to the courtesy phone

[davej]

and while it's straight out of the early 90's, this site has been the most useful for me as I learned about dizzys
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/ts-01.htm">http://www.clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/ts-01.htm</a><!-- m -->
and eventually you'll get to this
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/ign-04.htm">http://www.clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/ign-04.htm</a><!-- m -->

[Rupertfl]

So if the rotary is messed up I may as well buy a new distributer correct?

[davej]

if you're getting 12v to the ignition coil but not out to the plug, the only things that could come in the way should be the cap/rotor/points/condenser or plug wires. do you have any photos, or is the car in harrisonburg?

[Rupertfl]

Nope the car is still in goochland, but I only have a pic of the engine compartment

[Rupertfl]

I just ordered a Bosch distributor rotor, hopefully when I get back it'll help. Really trying not to buy a new distributor.

[davej]

yeah, a new distributor would probably be last on my list of things that wouldn't work, unless your rotor doesn't spin at all when you crank the engine. Check the case on your ignition coil for cracks. If it's not too late to add to your order, get another cap as well, they can't be more than $10-15. i'd verify your cap is on correctly, they are usually notched, and make sure there are no cracks, contacts are good, the spring contact from the ignition coil you mentioned before is making a good connection, and your plug wires are good.

[JustinG]

Id offer to help, cause im not too far from Goochland, but Distributors and Carbs are witchcraft.

But let me know if I can help in anyway, I am about 25 min from the Goochland courthouse area.

[CaptainHenreh]

Id offer to help, cause im not too far from Goochland, but Distributors and Carbs are witchcraft.

But let me know if I can help in anyway, I am about 25 min from the Goochland courthouse area.

It's fuel injected, at least.

OP, has it ever run?

[Rupertfl]

It's got a new cap, I'll check all of those things when I get back, it is fuel injected. Yes it has ran, it was a featured car in SOWO, so it went to Georgia and back. Also he been to H2OI, it was supposed to be running really well 9 month ago. Thank you everyone for the help, hopefully I don't have fuel problems as well. :thumbup: