Re: No spark at plug-Yes at coil

[schwartz@taligent.com]

>It's a non-Audi question, but yet is related. I'm interested in a 80 VW
>Scirocco. The guy said there is no spark at the plugs, but spark at the
>coil. Sounds like Cap or rotor to me. And to you guys?


I had a weird problem like this on a mazda I owned.  The weird thing was
every time it rained the car wouldn't start (No spark at plugs).  After
the rain stoped the car ran fine.  Turned out I had an aftermarket cap
and rotor and the construction of these parts look like they were filled
(the plastic was filed with) cellulose.  Sawdust. Not an uncommon practice
in Phenolic resin moulding.  I seem that when it rained the wood fibers
asborbed mositure and became conductive.  

I discovered the true cause when the problem happened at night.  I raised the
hood and asked my wife to crank the engine. I saw a tiny spark where the cap
touched the distributor body.  When I examined the cap I could see no evidence
of tracking; the short was entirely internal.  

>From that moment one I have used only OE caps and rotor.  I buy them at
dealerships.  I don't have problems with these.  x