I'm not a disto expert, but I was under the impression that the 050's
advance curve was different(don't know to what degree)but that the 050
DID'NT have the built in retard for the #3 cylinder so it would run cooler.
Since the oil cooler was moved to the rear of the Type 4 motor, the thinking
was that a centrifugal distributor for that engine wouldn't need the retard.

My 79 loaf motor had a 009 on it, but it also had dual 44IDF Webers which
likely wouldn't fit under the Vanagon deck lid.  After over 100k on the
rebuild, it was the number 4 valve that was failing, but non likely because
of the oil cooler position.  I had solid lifters on that engine and a mild
cam.  Hindsight tells me next time to only use the 40's.  If you run enough
fuel over those valves, they will last a long time.  Three things cool that
motor, oil, air AND fuel.

Dimwitted Moose and FLying Squirrel
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dan Stevens" <dstevens@TWCNY.RR.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2001 1:09 PM
Subject: 009 Distributor in Type IV

> this thread seems to have been answered in P-mails and I have the same
> question,
>
> is a 009 bad for a type IV?>   I do have in my possession a scat 050 and
> have been told it is a good dist for a engine 1800cc and larger.. any
> knowledgeable feed back would be great.