Help! 912 Runs Like *&%"!

hamondrye · 09-03-2001, 05:21 PM

I have been reading everyone's posts for sometime now and value all of your suggestions. I need help on this one. I have a '69 912, 200 miles on a rebuild, rebuilt solexes, new blue coil, the original 061 dist. with vac. advance (retard). Runs like crap. I purchased a 050 dist, but need help on the install. I thought that this would be a remove and replace situation. When I take out the old dist., the bottom "notch" does not line up with the original rotor position. Is this normal? Do I have to change the plug wires around on the cap? I am no expert, but enjoy working on this car. Is there an easy way to resolve this dist. install, or does someone else have other suggestions? The car has no power from 3000 rpm's and up. When it's floored, it goes nowhere! Thanks in advance.

Duke · 09-04-2001, 11:53 AM

I installed my first 050 in 1983. The installation can be a little frustrating as #1 plug wire is not where it used to be. To install make sure you have #1 cylinder at top dead center. This should have been done before removing the old dist., otherwise your timing will be really screwed up. After installing the 050 you will notice #1 plug wire now goes on the opposite side of the dist. facing the rear of the car. Set the static timing to 5 degrees BTDC and with a timing light (I use the Sears "magic dial") set the advance to 33-35 degrees BTDC @ 3000rpm. Your car should leap forward with vigor! By the way, if you still use points you can save a bundle by buying the "044" points from any VW parts place. They are the same. Good luck, Duke-69 912

hamondrye · 09-04-2001, 05:38 PM

Duke, I'm a little confused on the position of the timing mark on the new 050. When I turn the crankshaft pulley and align it with the crankcase housing marks, the distributor marks are in line with the rotor, but are facing the back of the engine. Am I on the right track? I ran out of time tonight, but will put a light on it tomorrow. It started, but ran rough. Could I be 180 out?

Duke · 09-05-2001, 11:20 AM

Sounds like you may be. I would start over from the beginning with the old dist. installed & #1 lined up where it should be. Then remove it & install the new 050. You should be able to line it up with the groove by turning the rotor BEFORE you install it. Was your old dist. a 061? You will notice the position of #1 is about 180 from where it used to be with the 061. If you lived in Redding, CA I would be happy to check it out for you. Best of luck. Duke, 69-912.

ClayMcguill · 09-06-2001, 06:34 PM

Look at it this way-it doesn't really matter WHICH distributor cap terminal is used for #1 cylinder - only that it's the one that the rotor is pointing to when #1 is at TDC on the compression stroke. Make sure of that,(and get the firing order right: 1-4-3-2 ) then don't worry about the mark on the distributor body.

The only time to worry about which terminal is actually #1 is when using a Bosch 009 distributor-they have a slight timing retard built into them for the #3 cylinder-they were designed that way to compensate for VW Type 1 engines that have the oil coooler in the cooling air path for #3 cylinder and thus that cylinder runs a little hotter than the rest-but only VW engines-NOT 356/912 Porsche engines (which the 009 will fit).

------------------
Clay McGuill '66 912, '97 Jeep Cherokee www.geocities.com/the912guy

hamondrye · 09-06-2001, 07:02 PM

Thanks guys...I'm starting to make some progress! I'll let you know how I do.