Easy Classic AirCooled Volkswagen Distributor Tips And Tricks

[@jdmeaux]

Years ago, I went ahead and welded the 13-mm socket to my extension (both were spares). I then epoxied a magnet just above the weld, making the whole thing magnetic. That stayed in the car for most road trips. Didn't lose my nuts that way. Moe

[@VWJawbreaker]

jdmeaux that’s one awesome idea!

[@bhaggen]

Much better yet, I have Snap-On deep sockets that incorporate spring-loaded magnets inside; work GREAT for a variety of applications; studs long & short, bolts. I got them in 10, 11, 12, & 13mm. To make things even easier I substitute a Japanese 8mm nut (12mm head) in tight situations like the distributor & dual port intakes. On dual carbs I use cylindrical Allen-head Porsche 911 exhaust nuts

[@timmathews1955]

@@bhaggen d.....

[@timmathews1955]

@@bhaggen d..... Sheets and see how that goes

[@timmathews1955]

@@bhaggen d..... Sheets and see how that goes hundred thousand dollar home services

[@jeromequesnelle4797]

Duckman said to check you out, He was right. Great tip. Thanks.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Hey thanks for coming over and checking out the video!

[@michaelchamberlain1688]

Very helpful.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Glad you found it helpful.

[@marcwilburn9315]

Thanks for posting! Great video!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Hope it helps you down the road 🤙

[@theolfella7745]

Excellent advice...helped me understand things much better....thank you very much ! :-)

[@VWJawbreaker]

I’m glad the video helped you out!

[@oberjarlheron5039]

This video is pure GOLD!! I bought 2- 73 supers and am learning as I go. Problem is, they are both pretty jimmy rigged. But just today i put a new coil on thinking it'd fix my lack of spark only to find out i need a condenser. Glad I have a spare bug to grab a distributor off of. This is the exact info I needed to avoid timing disruption.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Congrats on both cars! Take your time and tackle one thing at a time. It never hurts to keep a spare points and condenser in the glove box along with some basic tools. Glad you enjoyed the video, hope you stock around! Have a great day and stay safe and healthy.

[@reginaldlarry2962]

I learn a lot from your videos,thank you

[@VWJawbreaker]

Happy to be here, we all learn together.

[@JWClassicVW]

Great info brother... can never cover stuff like this enough. Good idea with the spare clamp.

[@VWJawbreaker]

JW Classic VW thanks man, just seems easier imo with the extra clamp. Drop in and go!

[@marcijunebug]

My uncle Norman taught me that years ago and it’s a very good tip/trick! Thanks for sharing! 👍 always carry a backup! Great video!

[@VWJawbreaker]

marcijunebug thanks Marci!

[@BasedBidoof]

Great idea for the spare timing holder, I'll have to grab another one of those for this purpose

[@VWJawbreaker]

Especially if you carry a spare distributor, easy swap and go without a timing light if you preset it up before hand.

[@FreeNation4145]

Excellent video!!! And also good information

[@VWJawbreaker]

Glad you liked it!

[@Volkswagenplanet]

You make it look simple. Not quite ready to tackle the distributor yet. Your video takes out the fear though. Good to see you back in front of the camera. Take care

[@VWJawbreaker]

Volkswagenplanet the more you do something the easier it becomes.... for example the wiring. You’re knocking it put if the park. Trying to get back into the swing of things at least.

[@Volkswagenplanet]

@@VWJawbreaker I agree

[@pvoshefski]

Thanks for the vid.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Hope it helped you out.

[@pvoshefski]

Well, I reset the gap but it actually seems the points unit is shot. I'm going install a pertronix that I've had in waiting (sitting in a box for like two years) and buy a new set of points to put in my kit....@@VWJawbreaker

[@jeraldhite9744]

Great information!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Hope it helps out out at some point down the road 👍

[@dustbuggy]

Spence and I replaced the points with the pertronix unit and love it 👍 thanks for sharing your trick gary!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Dust Buggy yep, pertronix works great but if that module stops working you’ll need a backup plan to get home.

[@richlijacanacua]

Very good tips!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you for watching!

[@5150mxVW]

Great tip and vid Jaws 👍

[@VWJawbreaker]

5150mxVW thanks Jason 🤙

[@pacificovw9522]

Thank you, I am about to check that O ring in the distributor for a leak, this helps.

[@VWJawbreaker]

You’re more than welcome. This is a great example of the why I do these videos. Have a great day.

[@fredspencer7323]

Thank You

[@VWJawbreaker]

You’re more than welcome. Thank you!

[@kg4qpb243]

Love you videos I learn something new every time.

[@VWJawbreaker]

kg4qpb Laureano thanks man, that’s the point of the videos. Help each other grow and support for the community.

[@mathewboyd3746]

Great little how-to vid. These simple vids are great for the people new to VW's or who don't have a lot of mechanical experience. It also should help some people to not get over confident - as Vw engine build business we see it all the time (I'm going to rebuild my Vw engine myself which usually ends up an expensive disaster).

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thanks for the kid words. People tell me I have a way of explaining things that others can understand. I’m definitely not an expert, I just share my experience and what I’ve learned along the way. Some of what I go over some people know and others don’t have a clue…. Lots of ways to skin a cat as they say.

[@mathewboyd3746]

@@VWJawbreaker so true Gary. Your explanations are certainly easy to follow - great work :)

[@bigwadventures7061]

Great Video of tips for keep going in the VW. Again Great Job. Thanks for sharing. BigW:-)

[@VWJawbreaker]

Big W Adventures thank you as always for being here BigW. Hope you have a great week my friend.

[@kevinhamling4675]

G'day Kevin from Australia. What a cool idea thanks for sharing. I will be definitely be putting it to good use. ✌

[@VWJawbreaker]

Kevin Hamling that’s why I post stuff, use what you can and keep moving forward! Thank you as always for your support!

[@thehillbillyhoarder4996]

Very nice video. Thank you for taking the time to make and post. Just subscribed

[@VWJawbreaker]

Glad you found the video helpful. Appreciate you being here 🤙

[@frankneugebauer6159]

Lets start off with plugs for a 1600 74 beetle, which ones would you recommend?? Then where should I go for the twin Webers, I have all Petronix components that I will be adding along the way. Thanks for your help!!!!!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Spark plugs all depend on the heads that you have. If stock heads, run the stock Bosch or NGK equivalent spark plug. Dual carbs do help but a good exhaust is also needed.

[@douglasbarnhart3324]

Thank's for the video.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you for always being here buddy. Hope your week is going well.

[@007Narsil007]

I feel like this ought to be one of those Guinness ads from a few years back: "Brilliant!"

[@VWJawbreaker]

Grant Coleman that made me laugh, thanks man!

[@007Narsil007]

@@VWJawbreaker, you're welcome! You got a laugh but I got valuable knowledge and insight. I think I got the better end of the exchange.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Grant Coleman maybe you did get the better end, from your perspective. From my perspective, you found something I know useful. To me, I got the better end since I was able to pass on some knowledge. When KZbin is used for the right purpose, it’s a win win situation. 🤙

[@masiosare42]

Excellent info man.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@somebeech30]

Very informative thanks bug brother..see you out on the road sometime

[@VWJawbreaker]

somebeech30 glad you liked it. Have a good week!

[@somebeech30]

@@VWJawbreaker you bet thanks

[@soggz4246]

Nice. Thanks.

[@VWJawbreaker]

No problem. Thank you and have a great day.

[@tomasalvarez6040]

I have 2 vacuum advance distributors. One is a bit taller, the other is shorter kinda chubbier. Are they interchamgeable? Also, the round vacuum canister, 1 has an outlet, the other has 2 outlets…dont know the difference. Any help greatly appreciate..thnks

[@VWJawbreaker]

There should be part numbers on the sides of them, the samba has good info on them. Yes they will both work. The single nipple is a vacuum advance, the dual nipple is vacuum advance and retard.

[@vintagespeedvw7864]

Good video. I always go thru points and condensers with my set up! Lol..

[@VWJawbreaker]

Vintage Speed VW I know you do and someone else asked how to change them out.... I find this method is the easiest. There’s a million different ways to skin cat.

[@vintagespeedvw7864]

@@VWJawbreaker I think my MSD box kills the condensers. I think a pertronix style like you have will solve my problem.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Vintage Speed VW that very well could be. Look into the Perteonix 2, you don’t need the 3 since you’re running an MSD box and it is much better than the 1. Check out Amazon, I found mine there for approx $15 cheaper than anywhere else.

[@silguero06]

qick questoin on my 1970 beettle should fuel presure stay the same when engine off.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Depends on severe factors, short answer is no. It’s fine if it doesn’t hold fuel pressure after a while.

[@reginaldlarry2962]

What are the signs of a bad distributor shaft left,right up ,down can a bad one have ticking signs

[@VWJawbreaker]

If the shaft has excess wobble in it, the bushings inside are shot. If it clicks, that could be the points or something inside.

[@jimlorish9230]

I noticed all of the Grainger boxes in your garage. Do you work for them or order from them?

[@VWJawbreaker]

I order from them… free boxes to store stuff in lol

[@cesarbejarano7363]

I just bought my first dune buggy.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Excellent, Hope you enjoy it!

[@busman5429]

Good idea to have a spare set-up & ready.. On my old truck we picked up, my son's friend rebuilt the holley carb. and my son added a Fuel -Air-Ratio Guage. It had a new exhuast system so was easy to weld in the bung for the 02 senors. I was sweet really able to dial in the carb. with the guage. My son and i both said--you need one for your VW engine run test stand. This weekend he will add it to my run test stand and we will give it a try, I hit the record button and share the results. Came in from Amazon today just in time. His weekend or days off are Monday & Tuesday. He is a pit boss at a casino , man thier buffet is great plus he gets a discount & I get out of the house..Doctors will not let me drive yet.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Dan Love man I bet that truck is coming along nicely! I definitely want an AR meter on the run stand and the car but funds just don’t allow it unfortunately. I sure hope you can get a video of it working on the run stand! Hope you get back to driving soon, one day at a time and hope you get feeling 100% soon!

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

Great tip.👍

[@VWJawbreaker]

Romeo thanks!

[@johnfasoulis2434]

do have to run xternal resister with electronic ignition?

[@VWJawbreaker]

Not that I’ve ever seen. The modules will say what coil resistance to run with it for best performance. In this case, the Pertronix 1 calls for 3.0 ohms. Bosh blue coil is fine.

[@edright8881]

Nice

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thanks.

[@lupechavez4283]

What year is this engine. I have one on my sandrail and it's great.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Not sure what year this engine case is from but this works on all air cooled engines.

[@lupechavez4283]

@@VWJawbreaker ok. Thank you bro

[@seanfinn2620]

Hi I've got a question, my alternator on my 69 bug was not charging sorry placed it with a new alternator, charging light went out and now it doesn't come on at all and it doesn't charge it all, can you help me?

[@VWJawbreaker]

The alternator light bulb may be bad or check the connections at the bulb. If the bulb is blown or there is a bad connection so the alternator light won’t come on the alternator won’t charge.

[@seanfinn2620]

Thank you I got it, thanks for the tips,

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@seanfinn2620 that’s great!!

[@buddymahood87]

Love this tip good idea and I have a quick? What coil mount do you have I like were it is? thanks

[@VWJawbreaker]

chris mahood it’s a cheap Empi coil mount, approx $12 on Amazon 👍 It bolts to one fuel pump stud and to the center case bolt that single mount carbs use.

[@mohamedjaleel1229]

This VW engine looks different with many wires and internal parts hidden. Actually can you tell me what was done to bring about the 'clean look' It looks awesome.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you for the compliment. Mostly just redid some Of the wiring to help run it in a way that wasn’t draped over the fan shroud.

[@motorcycleguy73]

Thanks for the info

[@VWJawbreaker]

Hope you found it useful. Enjoy your weekend and thanks for commenting.

[@motorcycleguy73]

@@VWJawbreaker You too and by the way do you have a video on valve adjustment

[@VWJawbreaker]

motorcycleguy73 there should be, look back in the older vids or I can see if I can find the link.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Veey good video!!!!!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Vintage Cars And Memories thank you!

[@frankneugebauer6159]

Can you help me with installing twin Webers??

[@VWJawbreaker]

What do you need?

[@frankneugebauer6159]

Thanks, will hit you later with the Webers!

[@birdsnbows]

thank you!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Randall Landfair you’re welcome!

[@VWJawbreaker]

And thank you!!

[@luvbgrass]

Just bought a 72 Super. I been busy trying to learn things about it. I'm a mechanic in progress, lol. I have dual Carb set up similar to yours. It runs great. The breather tube at the oil cap is not hooked up. Its wide open. I have saw this tube set up in other videos. Mine doesn't have a place to connect it at the breather on either carb. The metal tube that goes down under the motor is open underneath also. Is that correct? Great video by the way. I'm not sure if I have points in mine. Ill have to check that out.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Congrats on your purchase! Breather tube to the carb top on dual carbs doesn’t provide as much “suction” as a single carb setup. If you’re not leaking oil out of spots it shouldn’t be, I’d just put a small filter on it so it isn’t wide open. The road draft tube that goes down under the car should have a rubber nipple on it, they can be purchased on line. Thanks for commenting! Hope you stick around and be apart of the VW community. Check out some of the other channels we support one another, they can be found on my web site at VwJawbreaker.com

[@luvbgrass]

Thanks for the quick reply, I appreciate the info. I was leaking some oil. Common for bugs I read. I hate oil leaks. I think I have them stopped for now. I adjusted the valves, put on new gaskets. Change oil and put on new copper washers and gaskets. I read that that the engine should hold 2.65 quarts. I had to add 3 to get it to the full mark. Maybe this motor hold more oil. Think maybe there were different size motors in 72’s

[@VWJawbreaker]

I try to respond in a timely manner to all of my comments. I see it as if you take the time to comment I should reply as soon as I can. The way the VW engine is designed, it’s difficult not to have oil leaks especially in an older engine. Even some newer rebuilt engines drip a little here and there. I’m with you and I hate oil leaks. Sounds like you’re jumping right in and getting several things taken care of! Keep up the good work!

[@magaisacult2023]

Great video.

[@VWJawbreaker]

William Cronin thanks Bill. Hope you have a great day!

[@slomango7927]

So say I switch to a electronic distributor from my old points distributor would that method still work with leaving the timing alone? Thanks

[@VWJawbreaker]

SloMango yes it should be fine, worse case you might have to tweak the timing a few degrees.... double check it with your timing light to make 100% certain.

[@AndyDento21]

Is the distributor driven by the oil pump? As I have a standing engine that needs priming

[@VWJawbreaker]

The distributor drive gear is driven from the crank.

[@AndyDento21]

@@VWJawbreaker sweet thank you 🙏 just have to lube up the cylinder walls and crank with no spark or fuel for a bit as to build up oil pressure

[@iadubber]

What fitting and oil pressure gauge is that? I'd like to get a setup like that. Thanks!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Chad Harwick it’s a regular oil pressure gauge with a 1/4” npt fitting. You’ll need a 1/4” npt tee fitting so you can use the gauge and your oil pressure switch. Also you’ll need a street 90 fitting if you want it turned like it is.

[@leoalbertolopez6962]

What is the max timing advance for vw bug 1600 stock? And what is the rpm limit?

[@VWJawbreaker]

Max timing would be 28-30 degrees. Max rpm for a stock 1600 is 4K I believe.

[@VicMcLov1n]

But what do you do about the wiring? Old distributor has neg/pos the new onenonly has 1 wire?

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@VicMcLov1n the 2 wire is electronic ignition and hooks up to the coil, red to pos, black to neg. A 1 wire would be points ignition and the one and only wire from the condenser goes to the neg of the coil.

[@thejunkshop5022]

Any suggestions on running vacuum advanced vs none I'm having tuning trouble with a 32/36 dfev carb notnready to swap to dual setup yet.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Unfortunately i don’t have much experience with the 32/36 carb, the few I have worked on were already setup in someone’s car.

[@slomango7927]

Absolutely run vacuum advance!

[@howardthoms2339]

Sorry to rain on your parade, but it isn't so simple in a (stock set - up). You have nothing in the way. No carburetor, fuel lines, vacuum lines, coil, or misc elect wires found on a stock engine set - up. The idea is good, but not simple.

[@VWJawbreaker]

I can see your point and where you’re coming from. However I have completed this with a 1/4” swivel and a 6” extension many of times on a complete stock setup. This way is easier, for me, vs leaving the distributor in place. Although, they say there’s many ways to skin a cat. This is just one way, I’m sure there are other ways that work for others.

[@edright8881]

Nice