Coil and Plug wires

All

I currently have 7mm plug wires which I think are literraly 12 years old since that is how old the car is and they look it. I am looking on line and see 8mm plug wires for the 1972 1600cc vw motor as well as the 7mm.

Do I stick with 7mm or is there a reason to go to 8mm and will that actually work?

Second question:

How do I know if I have a 12v or 6v coil? The one that is on the car...again have to assume it is 12 years old is bright blue but the lettering is all gone. If I ever need to replace is it just best to take it off and head to Napa or somewhere and compare?

Thoughts?

Thanks

Todd

Todd .... If the battery is 12 volt, the coil is most likely 12volt also..... As for the plug wires, if you don't have some super duper ignition system, the 7mm wires will work just fine.... I would try to get wires with silicone rubber insulation jacketing.... Just my .02

thanks for the info. Point and stuff. You should understand that I am about as Rookie as they come. BUT - willing to jump in and learn. I will look into that! I agree on the 7mm...wires as well. they obviously put them on the car for a reason!

Blue coil is most likely a BOSCH Blue Coil - 12 years old and you might be lucky and have one that was Made in Germany. They rarely go bad. Think about changing the points out to a Pertronix inition setup. Makes for less maintenance - but keep old points and condensor just in case the solar flareup get worse. I still like the old copper core (vs carbon string) wires.

you'll never notice that extra 1mm.

i would recommend quality however.

the distributor cap is a good example. cheap ones do not use brass terminals and are more brittle.

If your adding a protronix i would opped for a coil from PAW with the built in 3 ohm resister . it helps keep it neet and simple.

I have a issue with the 8 mm wires. I preferr the factory plug boots and insulators with the built in resissors ,

The 8 mm wires don't go in well when you screw them on

the damndest thing just happened. I bought Bosch Plugs and Bosch wires. Went to install the wires and they dont fit over the terminals. I called Bosch and the guy said this is the first time he ever heard of this and that the plugs and wires that I bought are a matching set. I guess the one box they had that was not right became mine.

Has anyone else experienced this? I took the terminal off and checked it that way but with the terminal off it just slides in and out...no connection.

Is it possible that you need to remove the SCREW ON ENDS of the spark plugs (where the wire connector attaches to the plug)?

tried that Doug but the plugs dont stay attached to the wires that way. after removing, the tip of the plug is to small to seat itself in the wire. I am waiting on a call back from Bosch right now. Unfortunately now I have a half hour drive back to store and half hour back home. Now I know to double check before leaving the store!

Seriously i think i am going nuts. Neither napa or advanced could show me a set of plugs and wires for my car, a ghia or a bus in my year that worked together. Thy were both baffled. 1972 vw motor (according to Kirk at VS)they tried beetle, ghia and bus from as eArly in the years as they could) and the same part numbers came up on all of them and when they pulled the wires and plugs off the shelf none of them connected. If you are interested in having fun, go try this yourself. So at this poin the wires that fit my new and old plugs are what came on the car 12 years ago.... Help!!!

Todd call Roland Rascon. He builds the stock motors for VS. Direct: (562) 743-5732

"they pulled the wires and plugs off the shelf none of them connected"

.........Did you remove the little caps on the spark plugs ?

Thanks Marty. Corey said the same thing. Dr Clock - yes, I did take off the end piece and they were then too small...did that with Bosch and bosch plugs and then tried NGK plugs same way, cap, no cap then tried about 4 different manufactures, etc. Nothing. It looks like actually the EMPI version might be what I need. Although I have been told the EMPI stuff is not the best, I called them after seeing some pics and those might be it. But, there is only one shop in Jacksonville that may or may not carry those. Have to call in the morning. Message in to Roland as well.

Thanks everyone. If anyone else has any suggestion let me know.

And yes, Alan - I just like to say Dr Clock more than Alan!!!

I've been called many a thing :~)

Often by some of us ;->

Talked to Roland and i am good to go now. Empi wires on order. Apparantely when you do remove the cap on the plugs you also have to adjust a tiny metal piece in the wire so it catches the threads on the plug.

Glad that was an easy fix, Todd! Whew!

I thiught that ordeal would never end....

FYI: Save the little spark plug screw on caps since you'll need those with the Empi wire set. Also use some Silicone/electrical grease on the boots that go on the plugs (not inside but on the outside where the covers that fit into the large spark plug shroud holes slide down). This will allow those covers to slide down far enough (takes some effort) so that you can properly install those covers in their holes and keep air from escaping past them. You'll have to WORK those covers around to get them into place. Kinda tough for #1 and #3 cylinders due to the intake manifolds but persistence pays off with a good tight seal. PS: Wear some arm protectors when working these in to avoid scrapes/bruises.

Arm scrapes and bruises are a show of "Speedsterhood"

Gordon - I went from Pretty boy to ASC Certified Tech overnight. Hell, I wont even by any GOJO cleaner just so I can look tough. Plus I had a mole removed and got stitches so I am now the Cats Meow.