Removing and installing distributor — VW

🧭 Before you start

• Special tools named: pin wrench
• Renewed: if necessary

Don't miss

• When installing, turn rotor arm slightly right of the distributor marking. When inserting, the rotor arm will turn back onto the marking.
• Mark on distributor must align with mark on rotor arm or Hall sender cover(fig.).
• Mark on distributor must align with mark on rotor arm or Hall sender cover.
• For easier installation of the toothed belt, only loosen tensioner roller lock nut approx. one thread.

🔩 Torque settings

Values can differ between engine variants — check the code stamped on your block.

ℹ️ Always cross-check the exact figure against your vehicle's factory manual before final tightening — a wrong torque can damage the engine. These values are extracted from workshop data and may not cover every variant or revision.

📋 Procedure

1. Remove distributor.
2. Before installing the distributor align oil pump shaft drive torque parallel to crankshaft. [Note: When installing, turn rotor arm slightly right of the distributor marking. When inserting, the rotor arm will turn back onto the marking.]
3. Mark on distributor must align with mark on rotor arm or Hall sender cover(fig.).
4. Tighten distributor securing bolt. Tightening torque: 25 Nm — 25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
5. Loosen tensioning roller and take toothed belt off camshaft sprocket.

6. Turn intermediate shaft sprocket with toothed belt so long in direction of (arrow) until rotor arm aligns with markings for No.1 cylinder on distributor housing (toothed belt slides over crankshaft sprocket).
7. Mark on distributor must align with mark on rotor arm or Hall sender cover.
8. Place toothed belt on tensioning roller and camshaft sprocket. [Note: For easier installation of the toothed belt, only loosen tensioner roller lock nut approx. one thread.]
9. Tension toothed belt, to do this turn tensioner with pin wrench (e.g. Matra V159) in direction of (arrow).
10. Tighten tensioner lock nut. Tightening torque: 45 Nm — 45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
11. Rotate crankshaft two full turns and check adjustment.
12. Check distributor housing and rotor arm markings.
13. Install upper toothed belt protective cover.
14. Before fitting, clean distributor cap and check for cracks or signs of damage. Renew if necessary.
15. Check and adjust ignition timing .

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