Mark Ten B CDI capacitive discharge ignition- should I?

[VWJake]

It’s been in my father’s tool box ever since I can remember. If I’m not going to use it, it needs to go away. 

 

Should I? I’ve got a ‘68 ‘02 that will be basically stock save for a 32/36 Weber. I also have a ‘73 ‘02 that’s getting warmed over- 38/38, peanut mani, 292, SS IE 1.5” primary header, Ansa exhaust. 

 

Thoughts?

[Simeon]

Do it! That’s definitely a period correct modification and I know someone here that swears by that ignition. I think (from memory) it even has a switch to revert back to inductive ignition if you have a problem and then you can remove it again without any problems if it should proove unreliable. Ratlling around in your Dad’s toolbox for years may not be the best environment to store it but I bet it is well built to cope with a harsh environment. 

[VWJake]

Sorry, poor choice of words. It’s been sitting in the back of a tool chest door for close to 40yrs. You’re right, there is a red button on the side to chance to conventional ignition. 

[Mike Self]

2 hours ago, Simeon said:

That’s definitely a period correct modification and I know someone here that swears by that ignition. I think (from memory) it even has a switch to revert back to inductive ignition if you have a problem and then you can remove it again without any problems if it should proove unreliable.

That would be me--I've used Delta CD boxes since a few weeks after I bought my '69 back in 1969.  They don't last forever, but as was pointed out, the Mk 10B has a switch that allows you to go back to conventional ignition if the Delta unit dies.  It uses your regular points (which will last 100k miles or so) and coil.  Just re-gap your plugs to 35-40 thou and you're good to go.  Give it a try.  You'll like it--presuming it still works.  Do you have the connection instructions?

 

The manufacturer is still in business out in Colorado (or at least they were a couple of years ago) but I don't think they're making 'em any more.  I have a brand new "Tiger 500" unit in my parts stash that's identical to the Delta unit, made by the same company.  And the Delta units show up NIB on E-bay every so often...

 

mike

[VWJake]

4 minutes ago, mike said:

That would be me--I've used Delta CD boxes since a few weeks after I bought my '69 back in 1969.  They don't last forever, but as was pointed out, the Mk 10B has a switch that allows you to go back to conventional ignition if the Delta unit dies.  It uses your regular points (which will last 100k miles or so) and coil.  Just re-gap your plugs to 35-40 thou and you're good to go.  Give it a try.  You'll like it--presuming it still works.  Do you have the connection instructions?

 

The manufacturer is still in business out in Colorado (or at least they were a couple of years ago) but I don't think they're making 'em any more.  I have a brand new "Tiger 500" unit in my parts stash that's identical to the Delta unit, made by the same company.  And the Delta units show up NIB on E-bay every so often...

 

mike

I do not have any instructions. I was hoping a google search would turn up something if I got the nod.

[avoirdupois]

On 1/20/2019 at 12:21 PM, VWJake said:

It’s been in my father’s tool box ever since I can remember. If I’m not going to use it, it needs to go away. 

 

Should I? I’ve got a ‘68 ‘02 that will be basically stock save for a 32/36 Weber. I also have a ‘73 ‘02 that’s getting warmed over- 38/38, peanut mani, 292, SS IE 1.5” primary header, Ansa exhaust.

 

Why not?  or

What's stopping you?

 

There are prior posts on this subject and maybe even installation instructions.  Unless you are already using a superior points substitute or your "box is broke" the Delta system is an improvement over the simple Kettering points ignition.  That said, the trade off is finding space to mount the unit and remembering how to reconfigure the original coil-distributor connections.  (This is fairly simple.)  The reason for the latter suggestion is that the bypass switch is not impervious to moisture and is probably not as fail-safe as it was in the '70s or '80s.  IIRC, the similar Tiger CD had an even simpler "bypass" design: invert the incoming wiring to restore the original configuration.  However, it too, was not fail safe because once moisture intrudes .  .  .  reliability suffers.  (Heat and vibration are probably not the best things for component longevity - either.)

 

https://www.bmw2002faq.com/forums/topic/70472-replacement-for-my-venerable-delta-mk-10b-cd-box/

 

https://www.bmw2002faq.com/forums/topic/44189-tiger-500-capacitive-discharge-ignition/

Edited January 22, 2019 by avoirdupois