73 westy Distributer question

[rogerd20]

Hey guys, hopting to get some help on my distributer wiring. I just bought this 73 westy that hasn't been ran in many years. The motor cranks with a battery on it and I'm wanting to see if it runs. All the wires are pulled off the ignition coil, and I'm wondering if the black wire that comes of the distributer goes to ground like usual or hot. The other wire seems to wrap under and go to the little cylinder mounted on the side. Thanks before hand for any help.

[busdaddy]

VW grounds are brown, never ground a black wire, especially in the engine compartment, expensive smoke will result.

That looks like the wire from the points, it's usually green but you likely have some brand of aftermarket points. It goes to the #1 or - terminal on the coil, the other black wire coming from up by the booster fan on the roof of the compartment goes on #15 (+), there shouldn't be any other wires on that #1 terminal.
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[rogerd20]

Thanks busdaddy, the picture isn't real clear, there is only 1 wire that can be terminated on the ignition coil, the other wire runs to the small cylinder shaped object on the distributer.

[busdaddy]

The small cylinder is called a condensor, it's a capacitor to preserve the points contact surfaces, most come with wires to the points and coil installed already like that one appears to have.
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[rogerd20]

Busdaddy, withthat being said does this wire need to land on the - or + of the ignition coil. Sorry just trying to clarify. Here are some other photos I have.

[busdaddy]

In this case being a single wire coming from the distributor then it goes on the #1 terminal regardless of it's color, all other wires go on #15, even the black ones.
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Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.

Please don't PM technical questions, ask your problem in public so everyone can play along. If you think it's too stupid post it here
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[rogerd20]

Thanks for the help, the wiring in the engine bay is a mess so I'm just trying to figure out enough of them to run it off the battery to see if the motor will turn over.

[Tcash]

If it has not ran in years, change the engine oil & filter, fuel filter and the gas. If you start it with water contaminated or sludge up oil. You will ruin the bearing and seize the motor. Gas that has turned to varnish will clog up the fuel pump and carburetor.

[Tcash]

Welcome to TheSamba, Bay Window Bus Forum!

[Wasted youth]

Some aftermarket coils are not marked with the numbers on the terminals, just a plus or minus symbol.

[kenryan]

Rogerd20
I hope you don't mind a minor (temporary) highjack of your topic by a related question.
I have a 75 Riviera with 2L Type 4 engine with dual Weber IDF 40s.
I'm looking for a good replacement for the stock ignition.
would like to go with CDI but am stymied trying to find a good distributor WITHOUT vacuum advance. (centrifugal only)
Would appreciate redirection to any appropriate thread covering this issue.
Finding many distributors for Types 1, 2 and 3 but not Type 4.
Have been searching a lot and finally found this RECENT post so though I'd dive in.
Thanks ANYBODY for ANY advice and especially you, Rogerd20 for letting me step on your thread.
Ken Ryan
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1975 Riviera
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8375801#8375801
1973 Bellanca Super Viking