Distributor drive set proper, but can't spin svda way to adjust

[2type2]

I'm losing it. Seems I just need a book/manual in front me to stay on track or in procedural order. Forgot more than I learned it seems.
Anyway since the drive gear IS properly set, the problem is that the condenser hits the fuel lines before the distributor can be spun around to right timing. Switching the lower cam 180° does not look to solve it. It's the common svda ( cip) clone. Moving wires did not seem to clearl it. I have it set to max 30-31 at mechanical limit w/hose plugged but it falls to 10-11° btdc idle and runs crappy. I want to see what 5-7.5 ° does. Also noting that the vac advance goes up to 38° at 3600 rpm.

Maybe I just really need a nap, just confusing,lol.
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[Chip]

Sounds like you just need to reindex the drive until you can adjust the timing to where you want it. "Proper" isn't always right. Pull that drive, move it a tooth or two, make sure it is set all the way down, put the distributor back in the hole, fire it up and adjust timing to the sweet spot.

[Glenn]

Can you mount the condenser on another screw?
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Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"

Member #1009

#BlueSquare

[2type2]

So simply put, should I just pull up the drive and turn it Counter-Clockwise 2 teeth only? I have to check if it is possible to move condenser over. It's nuts because I just installed the same svda on my bug and had no issues with fit.Dont know why.
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[BFB]

Had that happen before too. Just rotate the dizzy to where your happy and set a new #1 for the cap, whether its the next one to the right or left doesn’t matter as long as it fires at TDC for #1 one the cap. That’s a lot easier than pulling the drive and risking dropping shims
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[2type2]

^Yes BFB, I am surely aware of that. It's what is driving me nuts,why isn't it working?
Set pulley to 7.5 btdc, verify at valves ,#3
Set up static timing light
Rotate dist clockwise till light goes out,
Rotate dist counterclockwise till light comes on...stop the when light just goes out
Rotate clockwise till just comes on, lock dist down
Wires clockwise 1,4,3,2 from TDC rotor position
Confirm and set with strobe light
I'm missing something somewhere , it's not working. Strong cranking, no firing..
When I had it running, the timing was far advanced to 65°+ at 3k rpm. Thus the need to turn dist so far.
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[vwtrey]

[2type2]

Turn crank back and forth, both #3 Rockers move like tapping fingers.
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"A life of peace and happiness depends on your own gratefulness"

[vwtrey]

[bsairhead]

Take a breath. I know of no distributor that can't be indexed within 44 degrees no matter were the drive gear sits. Unless you have a retarded #3 any hole in the cap can fire any spark plug. Turn your distributor to a spot that allows the most movement without interference, make sure your on #1 compression. Which ever hole the rotor points closest to is now the number 1 plug. Clockwise on the distributor go 4,3,2.

[oprn]

Yes you can set the distributor anywhere you want and re-arrange the wires in the cap to suit but... be aware that there is a splash oiling hole in the distributor base for the distributor shaft bushing that needs to line up with a cut out in the engine case.

I recently re-positioned the distributor on my sand rail to get the vacuum pot away from the heat of the exhaust on my custom exhaust system. That put the oil hole 180* off target so I just drilled a new hole on the other side of the distributor base shank to line up with the cut out in the case.
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[2type2]

Thanks for all, 44° is plenty of leeway, or it should be.Appreciate the replies. I know what I'm doing and what is what , how it's supposed to done, have done it before without issue. This time something is screwing up the mojo. I am going to get back on it as soon as my brain is ready....starting from scratch at the very beginning. Got totally frustrated so I left it.
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"A life of peace and happiness depends on your own gratefulness"

[bsairhead]

[oprn]

All the stock distributors I have on the shelf have the oil hole, they are all aluminum bodied ones. Heck even the Pertronics III one does! Just one cheap Chinese unit that doesn't.
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We had the stone age, the bronze age, the industrial age and now we are in the age of mass deception and mind control for corporate profit. (The mass media age)

[bsairhead]

[chrisflstf]

I have an 034 original dist, (vac and mech), rebuilt by one the vendors here, and there is no way the hole and slot on these could be for oiling, as the cutout in the case is on the other side. It must be a vent, and wasnt on earlier distributors.

[bsairhead]

[oprn]

[oprn]

[chrisflstf]