Ignitor electronic ignition

[allwhitekeys]

Hello, I purchased the ignitor 1 to replace the points in my 72 914 1.7. I just got the ignitor installed in the Bosch distributor using the instructions and also watching a youtube video. I took my time and checked everything that was in the instructions however after installing everything back in the car now it will not start at all. I am guessing I am not getting the +12 volts at the coil where I connected the pos lead of the ignitor but that is just a guess. I am sure someone has installed the ignitor and maybe can help me with this issue. I am just not sure how to start troubleshooting this. Thanks in advance for any help.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

If you have a multimeter, you can verify that you are getting +12V on the black/red wire to the coil. (That's the thicker of the black wires with a reddish/purplish/brownish faded stripe that go to the coil; the thinner is black/purple and carries the tach signal from the (-) terminal.)

If you don't have a multimeter, you should pick one up. Even the cheap ones are good enough to help diagnose 914 electrical system problems. In the meantime, you can use an automotive light bulb or similar.

Is there any chance you hooked it up backwards? Or left the ignition on for a minute or more while troubleshooting? The Ignitor I is known to not deal with either of those very well. The Ignitor II is supposed to be better at coping with those.

--DD

[allwhitekeys]

Thanks again Dave for your help and yes I did hook up the ignitor up backwards. I changed the connections but the car will still not start so I guess I damaged the ignitor. I will have to remove everything and start over now. It was a big mistake but thanks again.

[porschetub]

Originally Posted by allwhitekeys

Thanks again Dave for your help and yes I did hook up the ignitor up backwards. I changed the connections but the car will still not start so I guess I damaged the ignitor. I will have to remove everything and start over now. It was a big mistake but thanks again.

In this case the pickup module will be toast ,the Ignitor 1 has no built in protection for reverse polarity as the Ignitor 2 has, however you need to run the correct plug leads with these units as you can't use copper core type as those can damage the module.
It is also important to use the correct coil for the unit you purchase,I seem to remember there are 2 types with different impedances,you cant really go wrong as the correct coil will be labeled as Ignitor 2.
I would suggest the Clewett leads you can buy from our host...very good quality set.
Better luck next time ,cheers.