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Fri Apr 24, 2020 1:29 pm

I'm attempting my 1st tune up of my '75 SB (PO swapped out FI for a 1300cc carb engine) I'm looking to ID my Distributor for points and condenser. The only ID stamped on the Dist. Cap is CST09A, it has two (2) vacuum lines going to the advance can. Any assistance is welcomed. Pics included. Thanks

Fri Apr 24, 2020 1:55 pm

Two vacuum lines running to the vacuum can means it's a DVDA distributor. All DVDA distributors used the same points, Bosch part number 01011, and they'll use either an 02054 or 02074 condenser. The distributor model number will be stamped into the aluminum body similar to the one pictured below. The markings on the cap aren't useful to determine what specific model you have.

Fri Apr 24, 2020 2:41 pm

Visually the look like this:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1279798.jpg

Fri Apr 24, 2020 3:14 pm

Once you ID your distributor model# from the stamping in the body, you can look up the Bosch part#s for consumable parts (eg. cap, rotor, points, condenser).
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/Bosch_Tune_Up_Parts/Bosch_Tune_Up_Parts.pdf

You can also look up the distributor model# here where the part#s and timing specs are also given:
www.type2.com/~keen/ignition.html

Be sure to set your ignition timing based on the distributor installed and not the spec for your model year (unless still have the original parts). The model year/transmission timing spec assumes you have the original distributor and carb that the car left the factory with. Many Beetles no longer have the original parts.

Fri Apr 24, 2020 3:26 pm

Thanks to one and all. I'll be pulling the distributor tomorrow to find the serial #.

Fri Apr 24, 2020 3:30 pm

You don’t have to pull the distributor. It’s stamped on the side of it.

Fri Apr 24, 2020 3:41 pm

That cap has a NAPA part number on it. I have a set of points on my table that starts with "CS" on the part number.
Also, don't throw away the condenser if the engine was running well. The new ones today are hit and miss on quality. Keep the old one as a spare. You never know when you might need it. In a pinch! :wink:

Good Luck

Fri Apr 24, 2020 4:37 pm

Thanks, Ashman, etal, I found the Mod# (had to use a mirror and read it backward) on the Dist. went to the listed site and have all the info needed to get a tune up kit. Thanks again to all.

Fri Apr 24, 2020 4:49 pm

jay64 wrote: You don’t have to pull the distributor. It’s stamped on the side of it.

Some of the SVDA part numbers are readable insitu but most other distributors the part numbers are facing front of car or center of engine case and not easily read. You can use a light and a mirror but then you have to deal with reversed letters and numbers. It's frequently easier/better to just pull the distributor.