Useful information from Paruzzi magazine and from our YouTube channel :
checking the Dwell angle There are several devices available to dynamically measure the Dwell Angle. These are usually combined devices that measure battery voltage, Dwell Angle and advance. Others can also be used to measure the CO content of exhaust gases.
testing the coil You can easily check if the electrical voltage in the primary circuit of the coil is correct by using a multimeter. High voltage measurement at the secondary circuit cannot be performed with a standard multimeter.
the distributor The intention is that we can adjust the ignition of our classic Volkswagen ourselves. First you have to know which parts have an influence on the operation of the ignition and you have to understand how the ignition circuit works, this is very important to be able to make a good diagnosis and to be able to adjust the ignition later on.
vacuum advance Both the vacuum advance and the mechanical advance were used for the VW Beetle, Karmann Ghia, VW Bus, VW Thing, type 3 and type 4. You can't stick a year of manufacture or type of engine on it, both systems do the same thing in the end, they bring forward the ignition time depending on the engine speed.
Engine overhaul - video 12 the flywheel In this video, we'll explain how to disassemble and assemble the flywheel, and what tools you'll need to do so. To disassemble the flywheel, you will need to unscrew the gland nut. This nut is attached with a torque of 350 Nm, it will require some force to loosen.
voltage drops The electric consumers of your classic Volkswagen expect the full 6 volts or 12 volts (or more) to function properly, which is unfortunately not always the case. Especially the 6 volt version sometimes complains about slow running windscreen wipers, weak headlights and direction indicators that pinch too slowly.
ignition timing - dynamic In this edition, we will adjust the ignition with the engine running, this is called a dynamic measurement. VW advises in its workshop manuals this way of adjusting all air-cooled VWs from August 1970 onwards. The static adjustment with a test bulb is then only suitable for a temporary engine adjustment on these young Volkswagens.
6 volts and 12 volts Until the early 1970s, the VW Beetles were equipped with 6 volts in their 1200 cc version. The 1300 cc Beetle was first equipped with a 12 volt system in 1968. The VW Bus and type 3 VWs were increased to 12 volts in 1967. Types 4 are in 12 volts, as they were only introduced to the market in the late 1960s.
the condenser explained The condenser is the most misunderstood part of the motor. What is inside that metal cylindrical part? So, what does this part actually do? Is it really necessary for the proper functioning of the engine? In this article we will limit ourselves to explaining what a capacitor is and what it does, and to measuring and testing the condenser.
Engine overhaul - video 05 install the distributor drive shaft This is the continuation of video 04, we are now going to install the distributor drive shaft, both on an already rebuilt Volkswagen Type 1 engine and on a split Type 1 crankcase. We pay a lot of attention to the correct positioning of the drive shaft at the beginning of this video series, because it is crucial to be able to adjust the ignition properly, later, when the engine is overhauled.