for someplace to start figuring it out -
look at the top edge of the metal body of the dist. .......where the cap
sits on it.
there will be a faint mark - this is where # 1 goes.
# 1 is the right forward cylinder of the engine, as it sits in the van,
of course.

an easy to remember reverse firing order is 1,2,3,4.......
it just happens to work out, the way they number the cylidners, that
going backwards ( distrubutor turns clockwise- ) so going ccw the wires
go on the cap, 1,2,3,4.
# 1 is where that faint mark or notch is IF...............IF the
DISTRUBTOR drive gear is installed in the engine correctly !
to tell where # 1 really is........
you can tell by looking at valve movement , tell you that if you need to.
make sure you have the points gap close to .016............and what are
points anyway !

I retro fit electronic ignition from 83 to 85 1.9 waterboxer engines to
the non-California air-cooled with points.
points can barely work anyway once the distrubutor is pretty warn.
plus you get a much hotter spark - it can really 'wake up' a points engine.
scott
www.turbovans.com

Paul Clarke wrote:
>>>>>
>
> Hi Folks
> having trouble setting distributor position
> and would like to double chek HT lead positions.
> i can get her running but its very lumpy and after 5-10 secs she dies
> whilst spitting petrol out of the carbs.
> its a new engine with new twin carb setup (old engine was injection)
> HELP !!!!!
>
> so after doing the points where should the dizzy angle be !!??
>  and which ht leads for which cylinders.??
> help MUCH apperiated !!  please reply soon before its dark !!!
> its a 2ltr petrol .
>
> thanks
>
> Paul
> 82 Vanagon Westfalia
> 2 litre petrol twin carbs
>
>