Looking to buy a new distributor cap and rotor arm

[Cpt Custom]

Now then, not been around here for quite some time, but I know this is THE place to get answers, so here goes.

I'm currently having trouble sourcing a new distributor and rotor arm for Lily, my 1987 Mk2 GT.

I can't seem to identify the right part numbers never mind source replacements so I'm wondering is anyone can help? I had hoped to buy them new and thought I'd go for Bosch if possible, but like I said I'm struggling. Not helped by an eBay search that threw up several different options as have some of the factors I've checked out online such as GSF.

Any advice welcomed and if you have any links even better.

[Blueshark]

Check the one you have now for the partnumber.

There should be a VW number as well as a Bosch one.

This will help you determine the right one a lot easier.

There are so many options as you already stated.

You could go for a full electronich version which can be adjusted through a laptop or even through you handy.

https://www.123ignitionshop.com/gb/

Joost

[Cpt Custom]

Hi Joost, nice to see you're still around.

I have already looked for part numbers on the ones I've got and too my surprise I couldn't find any on either the cap or the arm. Like you I'd have expected there to be something somewhere.

Seeing your comment though made me wonder if I could somehow have missed them, but I've just looked again at the rotor arm which I have here in the house and there's nothing.

I'll have another look too on the distributor cap again in daylight, but I'm sure I'd have spotted it.

In the meantime maybe someone else will be able to help me out.

Oh, and for those that can't remember my car, it's a 1.6 model.

[mark1gls]

Does your dissy cap have a black plastic cover or is it a brown/orange colour?

What’s your rotor arm like?

Can you post up a picture?

[mark1gls]

This may be your rotor arm?

https://www.eurocarparts.com/p/bosch-ig ... -405330140

It’s getting hard to find a Bosch dissy cap.

Black plastic cover dissy cap

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/132652544586 ... R5yY1aa6Yw

Found a Bosch dissy cap without the black plastic cover.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/185728938165 ... BMyMr0prpj

[Cpt Custom]

Thanks for trying to help me out Mark.

Definitely no part number on the rotor arm like I said and although I've had another look at the dissy in daylight I couldn't see one on it either.

The rotor arm you linked to looks exactly like the one I took off so will get that ordered asap.

As for the dissy itself it is the brown/orange one I'm looking for and again the link was helpful. It does look like the one I'm after, but there seem to be so many variations when it comes to them that there's always the possibility it might not be quite right.

Hopefully, there might be someone on here that has actually had to fit one, who can confirm this is indeed the one I need. If not then I think I'll take a punt on the eBay one.

[mark1gls]

The main difference between the dissy caps is how the HT leads fit, there is a pin type and din type.
The pin type is mainly used on MK2s and din type on Mk1s

As you had to remove the end of the spark plug you probably have the pin type leads at both ends but if you remove a HT lead from the dissy cap (pull the rubber surround on the HT lead on not on the lead as you can pull it apart) and you should see a pin in the middle of the connection in the dissy cap like in the link below.

https://simonbbc.com/bosch-4-cylinder-d ... led-45860/


There’s only a few dissy caps as VW used the same one on lots of cars like the Mk1 Golf and Mk1 Golf cabriolet so if you have problems finding one for a Mk2 Scirocco search Mk1 Golf especially the cabriolet as they where both in production the same time.


Edit… just found a link to a din type dissy cap, you can just about see there is no pin and the outer face is what the leads connects to.

https://oldtimer-shop.eu/product/vw-pol ... er-662629/

[Cpt Custom]

Thanks for the info once again Mark and those links, really helpful.

I've found one that is identical to mine on the Original Volkswagen Classic Parts site:



I also got an identical rotor arm on eBay:



So all good - just got to wait for them to come through!

[Blueshark]

Hi Joost, nice to see you're still around.

You should check the distributor housing itself

Oh, and for those that can't remember my car, it's a 1.6 model.

[Blueshark]

Hi Joost, nice to see you're still around.


Oh, and for those that can't remember my car, it's a 1.6 model.

You should check the distributor housing itself