Author Topic: VW distributor info needed  (Read 25931 times)

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Offline RichFox

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VW distributor info needed
« on: January 22, 2015, 05:59:17 PM »
Since my '26 Dodge Bros engine didn't have a distributor, I reworked a VW air cooled 4 distributor to fit. It has JFU4 stamped on the housing. Now I am told that most air cooled flat fours has a point cam that has one lobe retarded so that the cylinder behind the oil cooler would generate less heat than the rest. I also have a distributor with Z42 markings. Should I swap the cams? Is either one at 90 degrees? Or both? Or something else I need to know here?

Jessechop

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Re: VW distributor info needed
« Reply #1 on: January 22, 2015, 06:07:22 PM »
The numbers are more important than the letters. 009, 023, etc. I have never heard of a retarded lobe on them before, however that doesn't mean alot

Offline RichFox

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Re: VW distributor info needed
« Reply #2 on: January 22, 2015, 06:28:50 PM »
OK. The one with JFU4 on it has 0231167070 on it as well as 113905205AN. The Z42 one has 0231178009 stamped on it. I also found an older looking one JFUR4 with 0231167005 and 2119052050 stamped on it. I should have held out for a Pinto distributor.

Offline fordboy628

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Re: VW distributor info needed
« Reply #3 on: January 22, 2015, 06:49:35 PM »
Many of the Vw distributors I've tested have ignition retard for the cylinder under the oil cooler, #3 I think, but I am not a Vw expert.   Absolutely no idea on what the model or part numbers mean.

Find a shop with a Sun Distributor machine, and have them run it up to the maximum distributor rpm (engine rpm/2) you intend to run.   You will verify the distributor's operating condition and the amount of ignition lead for each cylinder, AND, any variations.    You will be able to check points, condenser, etc as well.

A magneto shop might be able to perform the same service.
 :cheers:
Fordboy
« Last Edit: January 22, 2015, 06:52:27 PM by fordboy628 »
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Offline RichFox

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Re: VW distributor info needed
« Reply #4 on: January 22, 2015, 06:53:17 PM »
Thanks. I was hoping to get free info. Shops cost money. I am thinking of a Petronix conversion. Do they have a slip on trigger wheel that makes all this immaterial?

Offline fordboy628

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Re: VW distributor info needed
« Reply #5 on: January 22, 2015, 06:59:02 PM »
Thanks. I was hoping to get free info. Shops cost money. I am thinking of a Petronix conversion. Do they have a slip on trigger wheel that makes all this immaterial?

Petronix may have a universal fit kit that has even spacing for the trigger rotor.

I think Mallory still sells Unilite universal fit kits, as well as complete Unilite distributors.
 :cheers:
Fordboy
Science, NOT Magic . . . .

I used to be a people person.  But people changed that relationship.

"There is nothing permanent except change."    Heraclitus

"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."     Albert Einstein

Offline John Burk

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Re: VW distributor info needed
« Reply #6 on: January 22, 2015, 07:03:48 PM »
Correct or not I saw "All 61 to 70 Beetles had the 3# retard up till the 71 with the offset cooler which didn't" . This may tell you which distributor you have .

http://www.oldvolkshome.com/ignition.htm

Offline fordboy628

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Science, NOT Magic . . . .

I used to be a people person.  But people changed that relationship.

"There is nothing permanent except change."    Heraclitus

"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."     Albert Einstein

Offline RichFox

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Re: VW distributor info needed
« Reply #8 on: January 22, 2015, 08:01:51 PM »
Thanks for the info. I have already cut and diced this distributor to work in the Dodge Bros. engine. So i really don't much want to buy a new Mallory. I had a Bosch distributor in my Pinto which was very happy above 8000. So i am sure it will work in a 26 dodge. If i can get it to be an even fire.

Offline Elmo Rodge

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Re: VW distributor info needed
« Reply #9 on: January 22, 2015, 08:14:11 PM »
Or you could put a different length rod in that cylinder which would change the effective................. :dhorse: :dhorse: :dhorse: Wayno

Offline dw230

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Re: VW distributor info needed
« Reply #10 on: January 22, 2015, 08:18:46 PM »
Mike Manghelli is a pretty good VW guy. He might have something now that all we use is AEM in the race cars. He has a rebuilt Beetle for sale that may the ignition if you buy the whole car.

DW
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Offline Milwaukee Midget

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Re: VW distributor info needed
« Reply #11 on: January 22, 2015, 09:00:34 PM »
Fordboy - keep in mind that this is Rich we're talking to here.  He makes his own heads, and I'm sure he'd much rather fire up the mill than open his wallet.  :wink:

I know the Lucas/Pertronix upgrade is 90 square, and is driven on about a .637 square drive.  If the size of the VeeDub shaft is bigger, it's likely you could carefully machine it or the HE collar to fit.

In fact, if anybody can do it, it will be Mr. Fox . . . :cheers:

"Problems are almost always a sign of progress."  Harold Bettes
Well, I guess we're making a LOT of progress . . .  :roll:

Offline Elmo Rodge

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Re: VW distributor info needed
« Reply #12 on: January 22, 2015, 09:46:03 PM »
What both of them fellers said is correct.  :cheers: Wayno

Offline aircooledtechguy

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Re: VW distributor info needed
« Reply #13 on: January 23, 2015, 10:14:07 AM »
OK. The one with JFU4 on it has 0231167070 on it as well as 113905205AN. The Z42 one has 0231178009 stamped on it. I also found an older looking one JFUR4 with 0231167005 and 2119052050 stamped on it. I should have held out for a Pinto distributor.

There's a lot of numbers to blow through on that page, so I clipped and highlighted the ones that pertain to your distributors.  Note that the Bosch points listed for the "009" distributor (p/n 01 030) actually fit ALL 3 distributors.  The ONLY difference in these and the p/n 01 011 is that these have a stiffer spring and thus take RPMs in excess of 7K no problem without floating like the standard 01 011 points.  The p/n 01 030 are easily recognized by their electrical lead since it is black with white bands on it whereas the p/n 01 011 just has a plain black lead.  None of these distributors has a retarded #3.  Hope this helps. . .

Beetle 1972-1973 * 1600 Manual Trans

Distributor: VW 113-905-205AN, Bosch 0231 167 070 > 043-905-205C, 0231 176 028
Can Use: VW 113-905-205AJ, Bosch 0231 167 049
Points: 01 011
Points Replacement Plate Assy: VW 311-905-227C, Bosch 1237 110 161
Condensor: 02 054
Rotor: 04 033
Dust Cover: 039-905-241, Bosch 1230 500 139 > 1230 500 147
Cap: 03 010
Distributor Cap Clip: 034-905-265, Bosch 1231 251 033
Parts Kit (Shims, Washers & Hardware): 059-998-211, Bosch 1237 010 007
Coil: 00 015 (Blue Coil: 00 012)
Vacuum Can: 07 102
Ignition Wires: 09 001
Spark Plug: W8AC
Timing Set At:: 5deg ATDC @ 800-950rpm w/strobe, vacuum hose(s) connected
Advance/Retard Range: Vacuum: 5-8deg Adv, 11-13deg Ret; Centrifugal: 6-12deg @ 1500rpm, 22-25deg @ 3800rpm


VW Models Equipped With "009" Distributor

Distributor: VW 126-905-205, Bosch 0231 178 009
Chrome Version: Bosch 9230 081 094
Can Use: 0231 178 001, 0231 178 003, 0231 129 010, 0231 129 019
Note: The 001 distributor has VW# 126-905-205 stamped above the Bosch number and is primarily used on industrial engines for constant high rpm use. The 003 was the successor to the 001 and 009 succeeded the 001 or 003 as per Bosch microfiche. The 001 or 003 Looks identical to the "009". I have a 001 and 003 in my "permanent" distributor collection (somebody's gotta have a hobby!).
Points: 01 030   (NOTE: These are points that have a stiffer spring that can take RPMs in excess of 7K.
Condensor: 02 086
Rotor: 04 033
Dust Cover: 039-905-241, Bosch 1230 500 139 > 1230 500 147
Cap: 03 010
Distributor Cap Clip: 034-905-265, Bosch 1231 251 033
Coil: 6 Volt - 00 016, 12 Volt - 00 012
Timing Set At:: Most applications - 5 to 7.5deg BTDC Static. Full advance should not exceed 32 degrees at 3000rpm with stroboscopic timing light.


Bus & Pickup 1971 * 1600

Distributor: VW 211-905-205Q (I'm going to bet that the "0" is actually a "Q"), Bosch 0231 167 055 or 211-905-205S, 0231 180 001 > 043-905-205D, 0231 176 033
Can Use: VW 043-905-205D, Bosch 0231 176 033, 113-905-205AH, 0231 167 053
Points: 01 011
Points Replacement Plate Assy: VW 311-905-227A, Bosch 1237 110 064
Condensor: 02 054
Rotor: 04 033
Note: 205S/001 Distributors originally equipped with 04 021 Speed Limiting Rotor (4500rpm)
Dust Cover: 039-905-241, Bosch 1230 500 139 > 1230 500 147
Cap: 03 010
Distributor Cap Clip: 034-905-265, Bosch 1231 251 033
Parts Kit (Shims, Washers & Hardware): 059-998-211, Bosch 1237 010 007
Coil: 00 015 (Blue Coil: 00 012)
Vacuum Can: 07 092
Ignition Wires: 09 001
Spark Plug: W8AC
Timing Set At:: 5deg ATDC @ 800-950rpm w/strobe, vacuum hose(s) connected
Advance/Retard Range: Vacuum: 2-5deg Adv, 11-13deg Ret; Centrifugal: 12-16deg @ 2200rpm, 22-25deg @ 3800rpm
Regards,

Nate M.
Anacortes, WA
Owner: ProVolks LLC

Offline RichFox

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Re: VW distributor info needed
« Reply #14 on: January 23, 2015, 10:34:34 AM »
Thanks everybody. Especially Wayno and Dan. What i am really trying to find out is what OEM VW distributor has the point cam with equally spaced lobes. I know VDub guys know this. Now i am going to go bore an Edmunds intake for a 261 for alignment rings. Something I know how to do. Volkswagens are to complicated.
« Last Edit: January 23, 2015, 10:37:42 AM by RichFox »