Ignition distributor problem?

47silver · 47silver's Garage

I have been having a 2200 rpm stumble. I pulled the distributor to oil etc and mine has a removable cover. I looked inside and found that the it only has 1 spring and there looks to be a place for 2.

Is this a modification or do I need 2 springs.

the model number is 0 231 184 004.
i have a spare 005 can i use the spring from it?

Does anyone have an extra spring or know of a source to get one?
It is not in the distributor.

stlrj · 09-17-2010, 08:56 AM

Unfortunately, the lack of a spring will not make any difference in your 2200 rpm stumble.

But that's no reason to give up either.

Cheers,

Joe

spuggy · 09-17-2010, 10:55 AM

Taking one of the distributor advance springs off to allow the advance to be "all-in" sooner in the RPM range (less resistance) used to be a hot tip for VW's that weren't seeing much street usage .

It's entirely possible that this is getting too much advance in too early for the motor, IMHO.

In your place, I'd probably use both springs from the 005 as a matched set as being better than nothing whilst I checked/sourced the correct replacements.

It's already apart, you can always do something else if it doesn't work for you - gotta be worth a try.

Good idea to check total advance with the different springs installed before running the motor hard.

47silver · 47silver's Garage

I agree that not having a spring may be advancing the system prematurely so.

Looking at the 005 springs they appear to be too thin and I think longer so they will not strong enough to hold the advance, so i am keeping this distributor intact as i think it is from a 1972 911s and is a rare component.

Luckily Pittsburgh still has some industry so I took the remaining spring to Vod Varka Springs in Clinton, PA Phone: (724) 695-3268

They are a family business and can custom make any spring. They made 2 new springs for me that matched the remaining to about 98%.
So i am going to put them in as a matched pair and see how the advance works.

As a side note, the making of springs is very interesting but from what they tell me they are loosing work to China.

They make brake springs for 1920 era rolls royces, a other cars such as jaguars etc. very knowledgeable and they were quick to make the springs for me.