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Q&A
Rotor Wrong

*Electronic Ing.

      11/01/08

Spark Plug Location on all VW's
Right Front #1,  Right Rear #2,
Left Front #3,    Left Rear #4

While pressing in on the generator belt, The motor can be rotated with 13/16" socket. (# 1)

 Rotate the motor clockwise from this view. 

 The first timing mark that come up (# 3) will be **Before Top Dead Center. 

 Then the T.D.C. mark (# 4) will come up next. ( to the left of timing marks ) Not all pulleys have the T.D.C. mark.
*Click <--here for Pulley markings.

---( 27 degrees is about 1 5/8" to the right of the TDC mark and 31 degrees is about 1 7/8" to the right of the TDC mark on the stock 7" dia pulley ) "as used when using the Bosch 009 Distributor" --- But this is not the way to get these figures and all VW pulleys are not the same. degree pulley

Now would be a good time to get a degree pulley or one that has been marked with TDC, BDC, or at least 27' & 31' if using the Bosch 009 distributor. 

Now with the T.D.C. mark (# 4) lined up with the center-line of case (# 2), and with the rotor (bug) pointing behind the right rear fender. (This is correct Only if the Distributor drive was installed correctly)
See Variations of pulley markings and position of #1 plug wire. --> information 

T-3 distributor shaft (with gear on the end) will go in one tooth short of where the type 1 (Bug) goes. This is so the vacuum unit will clear the fan housing. And the bug (rotor) will be pointing towards the front left wheel or 180' from where the T1 rotor points. (This is Only if the Distributor drive was installed correctly) Note: If you are using the 009 distributor the Distributor drive shaft can be installed just like the Bug since the the vacuum pod is not there. Some T-3 drives have a flat above gear to prevent this.   See #18   also see Q&A       Distributor Drive & Washers

( as shown in the photo ) and lined up with the (# 5) & (# 9) mark on the top edge of the distributor body, your engine will be on Top dead center, On compression, On number one cylinder. ( Number one cylinder is the front right ) This is also the starting point when setting the valves.
Note: To be sure you are on TDC on compression you can check as described below.
With the Right side valve cover removed Rotate the engine Clockwise (the way it runs) until the ex. valve (front right side) on #1 cylinder opens & closes. Then the Intake valve (second from front right) will open and close. The Next time the piston comes to the top after the intake valve closes will be Top Dead Center (TDC) on Compression Stroke. This is your starting Point. ( with the spark plug removed and a soft length of wire in the plug hole) the exact TDC can be located by rocking the crank back & forth. Now is a good time to also mark BDC
---( 27 degrees is about 1 5/8" to the right of the TDC mark and 31 degrees is about 1 7/8" to the right of the TDC mark on the stock 7" dia pulley ) --- But this is not the way to get these figures and all VW pulleys are not the same.     TDC = woodruff key in crank at exactly 9:00 o'clock. 

Inspect the point contacts (# 8) ( they should be smooth and shiny ) Points that have a crater on one side and a tit built up on the other side indicate the condenser should be changed. Don't waste you money on a new condenser if both sides are burnt the same.

Always make sure the points are clean ( wipe new points clean after setting gap to .016" )
Never spread the points more the 1/8" or the spring may be damaged.
Apply a small amount of high temperature point lube to the point cam and a drop of oil to the felt under the rotor.

A test lamp or continuity tester will be needed if you time the stock distributor statically. Remember that the ignition fires when the points open, not when they close.

When using a timing light you must pull the vacuum line from the distributor and plug the line.

Before starting the engine slightly loosen the distributor clamp with a 10mm socket.

With the timing light pick-up, connected to the number one plug wire ( front right side ) start the engine and aim the timing light at the case parting line (# 2) and rotate the distributor body until the correct timing mark lines up with the case parting line.

Stop the engine and tighten the distributor clamp nut. ( Not to tight or the clamp will warp, lifting the distributor up.) Always check this clamp to insure it is perfectly flat.

Start the motor and recheck the timing just to make sure it did not move when the clamp was snugged down.

When using the stock distributor, make sure you are using the correct crank pulley for your distributor and the correct timing marks. Never assume the distributor and crank pulley are a matched set. degree pulley

If your stock distributor is getting old an worn, or if the vacuum advance is not working up to par we recommend replacing it with the Bosch 009 distributor.  *Electronic Ing.->$42.95 Special

If you have replaced your points with one of the electronic module kits then you have set the timing for the last time. Only when the quality of our gas changes drastically will you need to re-time your motor.
Let's hope that's not in the near future.

 Exploded View of Distributor Drive with VW Part Numbers -- *click

A Simple "quick check" can be done as follows. To check the vacuum advance, hand-turn the breaker plate counterclockwise. It should move without grittiness and spring back solidly to its original position when released.
To check the diaphragm for leaks, turn the breaker plate as far as it will go counterclockwise, take off the vacuum hose and cover the hose connection end with your finger. Then release the breaker plate. The vacuum in the chamber should keep the breaker plate from returning fully to its original position until you uncover the hose end.

The best way to check the centrifugal advance is with a timing light. Start the motor and smoothly run the RPM from an Idle to mid RPM. Watch a  mark on the lower pulley. It should advance smoothly as the RPM is increased and the return smoothly to the exact spot it started from. The starting point and the advanced stopping point must be the same each time the motor speed is increased and returned to an idle. Run through this cycle several times to be sure the stopping points are always the same.

  More on timing-->*Click --- Part numbers for Bosch Distributors, Points, Caps etc.->*Click --- Electronic Ing Kit -> Order
Bosch 009 distributor order --- Bosch Chrome Dist order --- Compufire Electronic Ing for 009-> See #20 info. & price

* CLICK HERE * <-for E-Mail Questions with Answers on "Rotor pointed wrong direction" 

**  #VBA009  " 009"  Performance Replacement Distributor  order  $54.95  Special  **

 Due to the interchangeability of VW Distributors throughout the entire 37 year VW range, for ordering purposes we must rely on the distributor number and not the year of the car. Years are listed as a reference point only. The ten digit number is often on the back of the distributor and can only be read by removing the distributor from the engine.

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