Scintilla Magneto plugs question

[Fenian]

I have a F engine in my late model Beetle that has a Scintilla Magneto in place of the usual distributor set-up. However, the engine dies after it gets even slightly warm. I've read that this can be a sign of a failing magneto, so I have considered swapping it out for a regular vacuum advance style distributor.

The issue I'm having is the removal of the magneto plugs from the heads - I've never seen plugs like this before - there seems to be a two-part construction to them - one screwed into the head and one which screws into that. And I'm having a hard time getting the ones in the head loose. It's a 24mm long socket, but they won't budge.

Does anyone know if industrial engines had different heads to handle different plugs and magnetos?

Any ideas or advice?

Thanks!

Fen

Here are some images:

This is what I'm planning to pout in place of the magneto. The current carb is a Solex 30 Pict-2 - but I also have the solex 34 PICT-3 below.

[busdaddy]

Those are radio shielded plugs and wires, the part you removed is just the wire and it's connection. The part still in the head should unscrew like a normal spark plug, but if they have been in there a long time, or are overtorqued they may put up a fight.
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[Fenian]

Thanks, man! That warms the cockles of my heart. I thought I’d have to drop the motor and remove the heads… I’ll give them all a nice drink of WD40 and try again tomorrow 👍

[busdaddy]

Here's what your enemy looks like out of the engine:

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[Fenian]

Thanks, man!

They were 21mm and came out this morning, along with the Scintilla Magneto, which I will most likely sell.

As someone had butchered the wiring before I got my chance to do it I'll need to trace and track the ignition wires. The + wire to the coil now appears to be red and connected to the auto-choke, which is driven by the ignition switch - so I reckon I can just splice it and dice it to connect to the coil.

The SVDA Bosch distributor dropped right in, much to my surprise (I've had struggles with an old Series IIa Land Rover in the past... VW markings are much more civilised

Just need some plug wires and I'll check for static timing and see how far I get with the 30 Pict-2. I have another intake manifold and a 34 pict-3 I can try if I'm not happy with the old 30 pict carb.

Thanks again for your help!

[ashman40]

[Fenian]

Unfortunately there are no numbers stamped on the flange.

I’ll see how she responds and then decide if I need to get a more basic distributor or use my other intake manifold for the 34 PICT-3. I’ll probably switch to electronic ignition anyway 🤷‍♂️.

Thank for sharing your knowledge!

Fen

[glutamodo]

I don't think the 30PICT-2 ever made it into the aftermarket, all of them should be German with a modification state number on them. I mean, I once saw a Japan made carb that was a copy of the 30PICT-3 but was stamped 30PICT 2-3, but it was not PICT-2.

I don't care for the PICT-2 anyway.
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[Fenian]

The only numbers apart from the name of the model are on a little tag on one of the screws. It reads: 211 129 027 SX. 🤷‍♂️

[Fenian]

So, to cut a long story short the car fires up great with the SVDA and the 30 Pict carb but dies shortly thereafter. I'm going to bite the bullet and I have ordered a proper 009 dizzy to replace the SVDA that came as a spare with the car.

I was going to fit a different intake manifold, but the spare that came with the car is a different size and won't fit the F series engine. Must be from a 1600 or something a little bigger...

I've also had to order a new choke element for the carb. Looks like it might have been an original choke and it isn't responding once the car heats up.

Lots of learning curves on this car, which I like, but it's all quite straightforward stuff so far.

Thanks to everyone who has been helping me out so far!



Cheers!

Fen