I thought about that but the vacuum can was in the way of the 13mm nut so I
had to release the timing pinch bolt and spin the distributor. I think my
drive shaft is out one tooth but have not dealt with that problem yet.

Thanks for the suggestion.

On Thu, Jul 23, 2020 at 4:50 PM Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
wrote:

> For service remove the nut that holds the clamp in place and lift the
> distributor out clamp sand all. When you put it back with the points
> properly gapped the timing will still be set very close.
>
> Feeler gauge .016” and you’ll be set.
>
>
>
> Dennis
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* Geoffrey Toye <geoffreytoye@gmail.com>
> *Sent:* Thursday, July 23, 2020 3:57 PM
> *To:* Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>; Stuart MacMillan <
> stuartmacm@gmail.com>
> *Cc:* vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> *Subject:* Re: 81 Aircooled - Replacing Condenser
>
>
>
> Hmmm.  Not thought about that.  Good to know.
>
>
>
> Now that I have replaced the condenser once, and realize that you have
> to remove the distributor to get to the screw that holds the bracket on, it
> doesn't seem like that big a job.   Remove the distributor, change
> the points and condenser, replace the distributor, set the dwell and
> then set the timing.  The more I do it the quicker I will get.  The van has
> lasted for 39 years so far with points. I am sure it will give good service
> for another few years that way.
>
>
>
> Thanks for the heads up.
>
>
>
> On Thu, Jul 23, 2020 at 12:21 AM Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> Often the electronic point conversions do not get a long with the fuel
> injection. The points are not only responsible for spark. The controller,
> ECU, whatever you want to call it uses the points signal to fire the
> injectors. Sometimes the pertronix works but from my experience often they
> won’t. With the limited miles we put on these vehicles adjusting the points
> and replacing them is not a big deal. Another option is to get the ignition
> set up from a California van or 1.9L Waterboxer.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of
> Geoffrey Toye
> Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2020 9:41 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: 81 Aircooled - Replacing Condenser
>
> Thanks Stuart,  I do intend to go to electronic eventually.  My plan is to
> get confidence in the points/condenser system and then buy a new dizzy with
> the electronics in. Then I will take the old dizzy on the road with me for
> a quick change if I get problems with the electronic one.  I am told the
> electronic systems can fail catastrophically if they go.
>
> On Tue, Jul 21, 2020 at 8:06 PM Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> > Another option:
> > https://eur05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.
> > ebay.com
> <https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Febay.com%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cc62955efe08f45815be408d82f429a51%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637311310397980868&sdata=q13Ud3PGpHO56iA4iPNgEMevSTPgi%2Fu6pSjc9fwjITY%3D&reserved=0>
> %2Fitm%2FPertronix-1847A-Ignitor-Electronic-Ignition-Module-Bo
> > sch-VW-009-050-Distributor%2F380736127599%3Ffits%3DMake%253AVolkswagen
> > %257CModel%253AVanagon&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C3b3ae15538e54b80b61208d82
> > de061f2%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C63730978902345991
> > 3&amp;sdata=VjiAG7ADkmSACmtbz0sEorFCRXAEaxRhu31KwYsAluQ%3D&amp;reserve
> > d=0
> >  Get rid of the points and condenser.
> >
> > Stuart
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of
> > Geoffrey Toye
> > Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2020 3:31 PM
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: 81 Aircooled - Replacing Condenser
> >
> > Help - Trying to do the simple job of replacing the condenser at the
> > points. Removed the old one and found the rectangular block that fits
> > in the rectangular hole in the distributor is all cut up. The new one
> > doesn't want to go into the hole because it has ears? There is some
> > kind of frame around the lower part of the rectangular hole in the
> > dizzy but not deep enough to receive the ears of the new block. Bently
> > and Haynes are of no use. Youtube is a bust. Any ideas before I cut up
> the new block?
> >
> > The old condenser measures infinite resistance and 0.194 micro farad
> > so is in good shape. Putting it back in is an option I guess.
> >
> >
> > Any thoughts learned friends?
> >
> >
>
>