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Tue Nov 03, 2009 7:51 am

A while back I read a write-up on "how to rebuild a distributor". I can't find it now. Does anybody have a link?

Also, has anybody rebuilt a vacuum can that slowly bleeds off vacuum when tested? Maybe repaired or replaced the diaphragm?

(Stock dist. for a '78 2.0)

Thanks

Tue Nov 03, 2009 8:47 am

What type of distributor? I did mine (205N) last year and took sequential pics (in my gallery, pgs 2 & 3)). Here my thread:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=332808&highlight=distributor+rebuild

Tue Nov 03, 2009 9:30 am

if this is an aluminum dist be very careful around the springs as the nylon holders are not available, they are brittle with age and they break by just looking at them. Shim and felt kits are available new from many VW places. If you have never done one before buy a couple of throw away spares to play with first if you are going to tear it completely down.

Be sure to really oil the shaft well if it comes out.

No - you cannot rebuild a diaphragm. Buy a new one.

Tue Nov 03, 2009 10:23 am

atmellovw wrote: What type of distributor?
SVDA

The write up I am looking for is a step by step procedure on how to rebuild a Bosch dist. It was complete with pics and very well done. The write up may have been from another website, but I clicked on the link here in the bay forum many months (maybe years) ago.

Tue Nov 03, 2009 11:07 am

Here is some information you may find useful.

http://www.glenn-ring.com/010/

Tue Nov 03, 2009 11:34 am

A couple of suggestions.....

removal of the bottom pin needs a small punch (similar to one used to remove cabinent hinges). A vise helps also.

have a tube of Bosch distributor grease on hand

Gum Out carb cleaner will remove some of the dead grease that is on there now (fine steel wool also helps)

soda blasting can be done easily for cheap http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=372903&highlight=soda+blasting

reference marks and phots will help this thing go back correctly

Tue Nov 03, 2009 11:36 am

all the previous advise is good & correct.

i'll just add this:

:!: don't mix up the springs :!:
they are different and need to stay with the weight they were originally attached to.

i've done a few. PM if you feel the need.

Tue Nov 03, 2009 11:55 am

Tom, that is the exact write up that I was looking for. Thanks to all for the help.

Tue Nov 03, 2009 12:05 pm

while that is a good write up on how to do a fully mechanical advance early distributor, there are too many procedural and internal differences to make it totally helpful to completely rebuild a later svda distributor. some of the overall generalities and basic principles are the same, but not much else.
good advice and things to look for have been mentioned in this thread already.

Tue Nov 03, 2009 4:44 pm

Althea78 wrote: has anybody rebuilt a vacuum can that slowly bleeds off vacuum when tested? Maybe repaired or replaced the diaphragm?
The dist. was bought used and sat for a while. (A spare to carry.) I sprayed a little Armor All down the vacuum port and let it set over night. It holds vacuum now. May not work for every one, but it saved $50 (for now).