'83 jetta problems, need help

[dougnew]

I got a 1983 VW Jetta 2 door i think it German it was running but you had to hold down the gas a little even with the clutch and in neutral but that's not my question it doesn't run any more, none of the spark plugs spark it was sitting for a few months and i tried to start it with pinched plugs (dad pinched them, i didn't know) got new spark plugs non of them spark (they are properly gaped and are the right type) the car does need other work, it was sold to us as a parts car but i want to drive it, I'm not that good with mechanical work but I'm not stupid ether and have fixed a lot on it my self but I don't know why the spark plugs wont spark, Please Help!

[Handeye]

Are you getting spark to the wires? I'd just work my way backwards through the ignition.

[dougnew]

thanks ill try that

[ms]

what motor is it ? gas ?I assume because you stated it needs spark plugs , anyway did you replace the ignition coil yet ? And I would replace all the spark plug wires including the coil wire too .Next check and clean every groud wire to the motor under the hood .Not just the one going to the battery .Next replace the cap and rotor and check your timing belt make sure the car is in time .You may need to replace the dist. itself.I hope this helps !

[sean2day]

MS is right but instead of replacing good parts, test them to see if there bad first. No sense in throwing a good part away and waisting money.

I would check to see if there is gas in the tank and if you have 12 volts at the battery first.

For the ignition coil do a resistance test on the positive post to negative post then do positive to ignition coil body to check for a short (it might be negative to ignition coil body not sure). OHM out the ignition wires and check with OEM spec for both the coil and wires. (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Bentley manual is what I use. If all is good turn you ignition to on and do a volt drop from your ignition coil to a good ground to see if you are getting voltage to your coil, you may have to get the engine cranking to see voltage at the wires.

anyway thats where I would start good luck!