SVDA 034 Distributor Installation Basics

SVDA 034 Distributor Installation Basics:

To get the ignition running initially, you should have only these wires going to the coil:

1. +12 volts from the ignition switch to coil's + (15) terminal

2. Red HotSpark wire to coil's + (15) terminal

3. Black HotSpark wire to coil's - (1) terminal

4. Typically, only the black HotSpark wire is connected to the coil's - (1) terminal.

5. The automatic choke and fuel shut-off valve may also need to be connected to the coil's + (15) terminal.

6. Make sure the distributor cap is seated firmly in place and the clamps are secure.

7. The rotor should turn as the engine is rotated. Otherwise, the distributor drive (dog) gear is not seated completely into its slot in the pinion gear inside the engine's distributor drive hole.

No other wires should be connected to the coil + (15) and - (1) terminals at this time.

Attach a stroboscopic timing light to the spark plug wire of Cylinder number 1. With engine rotated to about 8 degrees BTDC, on the firing stroke of Cylinder number 1, ignition switch ON, slowly turn the distributor clockwise or counter-clockwise until the timing light flashes. Tighten the distributor clamp a little, so that you can still turn the distributor by hand, but the distributor won't turn on its own. The rotor should be pointing to number 1 cylinder's spark plug wire. The position of the rotor will be different than the position of a 009 distributor's (which is non-standard) rotor. If necessary, you can rotate the wires, as long as the firing order remains the same: 1-4-3-2, clockwise.

Start the engine. You may need to turn the distributor left or right a little, until the engine will stay running, so that you can set the timing with the engine running, using a stroboscopic timing light. With vacuum hose disconnected and plugged, the timing should be set to 30-32 degrees BTDC at 3,500+ RPM. With the vacuum hose connected, timing should not exceed 42-44 degrees BTDC at 3,500+ RPM.

If you previously had a 009 distributor installed in the engine, the SVDA 034's rotor position will be about 45 degrees different from where it was with the 009. You may need to rearrange the spark plug wires so that the vacuum canister can swing freely enough to adjust the timing. The 009 distributor's rotor and distributor cap will fit the SVDA 034 distributor.

https://hot-spark.com/Hot-Spark-SVDA034-VW-Type-I-Pulley-Degree-Template.pdf

https://hot-spark.com/Installing-SVDA-034.pdf