Delta Products MK10 Ignition

Thanks Scott.

It was just a bit of my frustration regarding electronics and cars, two things basically not belong together. Although these MK10 and similar electronic ignition units are more or less basic electronic equipment - which I can accept - comparared to modern control systems used in recent cars, both are black boxes for most car mechanics. Many of the Pelicans here have great skills regarding body work and mechanics and do very nice jobs restoring their cars, but the electronics often result in a lot of - let me say - painfull moments. The cause of lots of problems with our older cars are related to poor (ground) contacts and other basic electrical issues. More basic knowledge - and just a bit more - could prevent a lot of failures and help the owner solve problems, without the need of asking an electronic specialist.

I don't know if there are books available regarding basic car electronics, like a Car Electronics for Dummy's and which could be reccommended to other Pelicans to teach them the basics of this matter. A book that should be on the list of stuff to read next to the manuals of your favorite classic car.

As a professional technical copywriter I really would like to do develop such a book, but my English is not sufficient to make it a success. However, I really think there is a need for it and it will close the gap in the knowledge of many.

Otto

[Jaems]

Otto,

The 912 is basically very simple. Just have someone proof read the text, say a chapter at a time.

Like why doesn't the dam car start? Then go through logical processors. Does the car have fuel, is the battery dead and etc.

The 356 registry did something like that.

I am sure you will have fun doing it.

Jaems,

I would like to make it more universal, not only early 911/912 (they could be used as reference) and not just basic fault finding flow charts. I think it is important that readers learn to diagnose based on knowledge, so learn how and why it works or doesn't. Understand the basics of electricity/electronics, function of parts and systems used in cars.

It will indeed be fun to do it, but it will cost the poor editor 10 years of his/hers life. And don't forget, it needs to be a technical editor.

I will keep it in mind, it was just an idea and I don't know how many will be interested in it.

Otto

[billw_willy]

Originally Posted by ron69912t

While going through the owners information packet from the original owner of my 69 I found a small catalog and installation instructions for a 1967 Delta Products, Grand Junction CO, Delta 10 and MARK10 "ingition enhancer". The MK10 decal was never put on.

The instructions show it connected to the ignition coil. It is supposed to boost the spark voltage.

I need to check the ignition wiring to see if I still have it on my car.

Does anyone know anything about the Delta MK10 they can share with me? What does it look like?

Thanks,

Ron D

Ron,
As a young guy back 50 years ago, driving 40 HP VWs, 1200 cc and 6-volt, one a '64 Bug and a '65 Karman Ghia, had to learn how to service them because the dealer was expensive and some maintenance wasn't necessary and I did it to save money and verify it was done right. I learned a lesson about screwing the plug wires back together when I drove from DC to MS in 22 hours on 3 cylinders, didn't use a Mk 10 on that one but installed a Mk 10 on the 40 HP 6 volt in the Karman Ghia and drove it across country to WY many times during the 55 speed limit running at 78 MPH and 31 MPG ( at 65 it got 42 MPG), last VW a '72 Super Beetle 12 volt MK 10 with 60 HP and a '68 Ford LTD used car for $500, about the same price for the used VWs. I immediately found that points did not pit and get stuck in the middle of the road, if anything the points needed a light polishing with a match book cover, plugs remained clean, no black carbon and earlier I cleaned them at an aircraft mechanic's bead blaster equipment and pressurized them to see how much pressure, about 100 pounds, that a good spark remained, before Mk 10s. The '72 VW went 40,000 miles on the original points and plugs, no cleaning necessary, at the time I reluctantly sold it. The '65 Karman Ghia would still run 86 MPH the day I sold it, rusty and weather stripping leaked when it rained, had to cut holes in the pan to get the water out of it. I no longer needed a static timing light as I learned a lesson of blowing a transistor only once, had it repaired and reinstalled, before Mk 10, a bulb wired to alligator clips, and just had to listen to the squeal of the Mk 10 when turning the crank over by hand to the timing mark . The '72 VW lost its vacuum advance and I advanced timing just short of pinging, drove it across the country as well but usually at 65-70 MPH. My current car is a used '99 Mercury GM with 80,000 miles, have a Scan Gage on it to monitor fuel economy and other data, leather seats, AC and other nice items for a 69 year old cripple that does no maintenance, can't bend over to do any of it other than checking water, brake fluid and oil.
Bill McGraw