The distributor cap transmits the ignition spark to the spark plug cable, so it is understandable that when the contacts are badly burned, the engine starts to run worse or stops completely.
Every 5000 km, check the distributor cap for wear and, if necessary, replace it together with the rotor, these parts wear out.
Over the years, Volkswagen has used different types of caps, hence the many versions. To make sure the distributor cap applies to your engine, use the online distributor/ignition tool.
This tool can be found in the blue area below the image or under the "Technical data" tab. After entering the VW or Bosch number of your distributor, all parts that apply to your distributor will be listed. If more than one cap is displayed, compare the image, in some cases more than one cap is used on the same distributor or you have a choice of color.
Bosch distributors (for original applications)
Bosch has been the supplier of Volkswagen since the beginning, most Volkswagen cars are equipped with a Bosch distributor, it's easy to check, the Bosch logo and Bosch part number are always indicated on the distributor.
In recent years, imitation distributors have also been introduced on the market, which are similar to the original Bosch in terms of distributor cap, rotor and contact points. There is no Bosch or VW logo on the reproduction, but often the manufacturer's brand or part number. All reproductions use cap 02063 (or B-quality 02030) and rotor 02032 .
Garbe-Lahmeyer distributors (for original applications)
At the beginning of the 1960s, sales figures were so high that Bosch could no longer provide the complete production for VW, so Volkswagen turned to Garbe-Laymeyer during this period. During this period, two private labels have been fitted, so you may not have a Bosch distributor but a Garbe-Laymeyer distributor in your car.
Garbe-Laymeyer only used the VW reference and the VW logo was also printed large in the distributor, so no Garbe-Laymeyer logo or reference, as Bosch has always done. These distributors meet VW / Bosch specifications but use their own distributor cap, rotor and contact points.
009 and 050 distributors
Bosch distributors 009 and 050 are only used for tuning purposes and dedicate their name to the Bosch number ending in 009 or 050. Both distributors are 100% centrifugal and have been applied as standard to Porsche engines.
With the original, the Bosch logo and Bosch number are mentioned on the distributor and on the reproduction, it is not mentioned, often the manufacturer's brand or part number is mentioned. There is no reproduction of the 050 distributors, only of the 009.
123 distributors
The 123 distributor is an electronic ignition system designed to replace the existing Volkswagen mechanical system, providing you with a virtually maintenance-free ignition system.
There is no number on 123 distributors to know the production period, compare the image with the cap of your existing distributor.
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