Just place rags around the area, use a magnetic tray to keep all the
removed hardware in and keep an extending pickup magnet tool ready to
retrieve anything dropped. I even keep the magnet next to the screw,
bolt or nut that I'm removing to 'grab' it once it's free, before it has
a chance to fall somewhere inaccessible.   I also have a "mechanical
fingers" tool to help grab any non-magnetic part that is dropped.  Can
you tell that I've been repairing cars, engines and aircraft for 30+ years?

Mike B.

On 10/1/2013 9:17 AM, Steven Shelton wrote:
> I did a write up when I replaced the Hall on my 1985 1.9L here:
>
> http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=524320&highlight=
>
> I don't know what the difference would be for a 2.1 but it is a different
> part number.  On the post, Windnsea replied that I did not have to remove
> the distributor to replace the Hall, but did not provide any details.  Even
> if it were possible, with so many tiny screws that have to be removed I'd
> surely drop at least one in an inaccessible place.
>
>
> On Tue, Oct 1, 2013 at 8:06 AM, Jim Felder <jim.felder@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> John,
>>
>> If I recall, pop the distributor cap, remove the rotor and plate and lift
>> the sensor out of its slot. Unplug the other end and plug the new one in
>> like that one came out. There may be a little more to it than that but not
>> much.
>>
>> Jim
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Oct 1, 2013 at 6:04 AM, JRodgers <jrodgers113@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> How difficult is it to change out the hall sending unit. Mine is shot,
>>> apparently. What has to be done?
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>> John
>>>