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Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: BMXJeff on 09 October 2008, 10:41

Title: Distributor change?
Post by: BMXJeff on 09 October 2008, 10:41

Hi all,

I have a problem with the distributor on my mk2 Driver 1.6L

My engine stopped and would not start again after a 30 min drive (still turned over). After some playing around I found the rotor in the distributor was not spinning, and the inside of the cap didn't look too healthy to say the least. I removed the rotor and the little square pin the rotor sits on fell to pieces. Also there's about 10mm of play in the distributor shaft so I'm guessing the bearings have gone allowing the rotor to cause hell on the inside of the distributor cap.

My questions are:

1.) Where are the bearings that hold the distributor shaft?

2.) How hard is it to change the distributor and shaft bearings?


Thanks in advance,
Jeff
Title: Re: Distributor change?
Post by: Diamond Hell on 09 October 2008, 14:38
The dizzi is driven off the end of the intermediate shaft, along with the oil pump.  If you lift out the dizzi you should see a slot in the bottom of the hole, which is where it takes the drive.

If it's that shafted (excuse the pun) then you're best off getting a replacement dizzi, arm and cap off Fleabay, or GSF or similar.
Title: Re: Distributor change?
Post by: BMXJeff on 09 October 2008, 15:00

Thanks mate, I'm pickin up the lot from GSF tomorrow, £40! A steal due to excess stock they can't shift. If anybody needs a brand new mk2 golf distributor call GSF!

But do you know where the intermediate shaft bearing sits amongst this lot?
Title: Re: Distributor change?
Post by: BMXJeff on 13 October 2008, 08:28
Problem solved.

Collected the distributor from GSF and it turns out the whole lot comes as one complete assembly. The distributor + cap, rotor and shaft with bearing. Got stuck in with a Haynes and replaced the old one. Started fisrt time.

Saved myself a quoted £125 parts plus £50 labour, sorted.
Title: Re: Distributor change?
Post by: TheRaven on 13 October 2008, 09:03
Hey I'm having the same issue! My Golf is in the garage as we speak, can I have the number to GSF please as they think it is my distributor and I will give them a call!!!

By the way, my distriutor doesn't fit very well, is this whats causing it do you think?
Title: Re: Distributor change?
Post by: rubjonny on 13 October 2008, 09:58
http://www.gsfcarparts.com
Title: Re: Distributor change?
Post by: TheRaven on 13 October 2008, 10:17
Thank you!!!  :grin: :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: Distributor change?
Post by: Blazing Storm on 13 October 2008, 10:18
I've always had problems with parts I buy from GSF. I buy from VW trade parts whenever possible.
Title: Re: Distributor change?
Post by: rubjonny on 13 October 2008, 10:33
depends if your local gsf is manned by muppets! luckily mine isn't. also i find if you order online you generally get what you want, only on a couple of occations have i been unlucky.
Title: Re: Distributor change?
Post by: Blazing Storm on 13 October 2008, 10:39
I ordered from them online. Sometimes I received the wrong item but mainly the parts just fell apart after a few days/weeks. :shocked: It's a shame because their prices are quite reasonable.
Title: Re: Distributor change?
Post by: rubjonny on 13 October 2008, 10:56
I've never had an issue ordering from gsf, as long as you always get the expensive one if given the choice of 2 parts.  Some things should only be bought from VAG though I agree.
Title: Re: Distributor change?
Post by: Blazing Storm on 13 October 2008, 11:02
It was a tie rod end, which rusted straight away and totally split. Also, I had a dizzy cap from GSF where the middle electrode destroyed itself. I'm sure I'm just the unlucky one but it rather puts one off. That's why I now spend more and get genuine VAG parts.
Title: Re: Distributor change?
Post by: rubjonny on 13 October 2008, 11:10
what make was the cap, next time only buy bosch or beru ones ;)
as for rod end they all tend to rust, splitting doesnt sound right though id have taken it back!
Title: Re: Distributor change?
Post by: Blazing Storm on 13 October 2008, 11:28
what make was the cap, next time only buy bosch or beru ones ;)
as for rod end they all tend to rust, splitting doesnt sound right though id have taken it back!

The point was it had started to rust and had split and the car was still sat in the garage and I hadn't even driven it yet. Just sat there the part withered away over a couple of weeks.

I bought a new cap from VW so all is well.

/thread hijack
Title: Re: Distributor change?
Post by: rubjonny on 13 October 2008, 11:43
yep same here, they arnt coated very well. as i say though, boot still shouldnt split, sounds like it was a badly made one...
Title: Re: Distributor change?
Post by: Blazing Storm on 13 October 2008, 11:57
Speaking of distributors, do you think it could cause rough running/a bad idle if the windows on the distributor catch on the sensor when turning? When turned by hand to took a fair bit of force to turn once it catches.
Title: Re: Distributor change?
Post by: rubjonny on 13 October 2008, 12:02
yeah that would be very bad, time for a new dizzy!
Title: Re: Distributor change?
Post by: Blazing Storm on 13 October 2008, 12:33
Yeah, I bought a new distributor from VW. The mechanic is hopefully fitting it today. Just wondered if the old one would have caused rough running/bad idle etc.