• From: Ontario, Canada
  • Registered: 2005-06-11
  • Posts: 266

Topic: new 009 distributor - no notch to identify #1 firing position?

I've got a new 009 dizzy with a black cap and there doesn't appear to be a notch in the top of the metal to indicate the #1 firing position.  I doubt its Bosch, probably some econo version...

There is only one large notch in the top for the cap to sit into, so the cap can only go on one way.

What other indicators might manufacturers use to indicate #1?

Seems a bit ridiculous if I have to eyeball it (and compare to whichever plug I wire to the cap as #1) just to get the static timing set...

-biggie

thebignic's Website

  • TomB
  • Moderator
  • Offline
  • From: Austin, TX
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 1,095

Re: new 009 distributor - no notch to identify #1 firing position?

Most aftermarket dizzies can fit a number of different models (T1, 2, 3 etc) where they may need to be mounted in different orientations, and any cyl 1 mark may have to be in a different position anyway. There has been no "cyl 3 retard" for many years, so the orientation doesn't matter, if there is no vacuum can (like on 009) to fit around obstructions. Install with cyl1 at TDC (firing) and identfy the correct position on the cap, then locate the plug wires from there.

  • From: Ontario, Canada
  • Registered: 2005-06-11
  • Posts: 266

Re: new 009 distributor - no notch to identify #1 firing position?

Ok. So I can just pick whatever I want to wire #1 to on the cap, and go from there.

Thanks!

-biggie

thebignic's Website

  • From: Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Registered: 2005-09-10
  • Posts: 2,336

Re: new 009 distributor - no notch to identify #1 firing position?

thebignic wrote:

Ok. So I can just pick whatever I want to wire #1 to on the cap, and go from there.

Thanks!

I was going to mention the same thing as "TomB".  With the "009" you can pretty much install it in any orientation you want or need to...as long as the spark plug wires on the cap are in the correct firing order, and the condenser is not bumping into anything.

To help get the engine running the first time after installing the "009":

1. Turn the engine (big nut on the crankshaft pulley) until the rotor is pointing towards the #1 cylinder
2. The #1 spark plug wire is located on the distributer cap above the rotor
3. The other spark plug wires are in the proper firing order on the distributer cap (1-4-3-2)
4. The #1 cylinder is at "TDC"
5. Then turn the distributer body (with distributer clamp loose) until the points open fully (friction block on the points "rides" on the top of the lobe of the distributer shaft)
6. Tighten the distributer clamp slightly so the distributer won't move while the engine is running (but loose enough to turn the distributer body)
7. Then do the final timing with a timing gun
8. Tighten distributer clamp

Good luck,

- Nick

p.s.  Added the extra details just in case.  : )

1979 Super Beetle Convertible