HELP!! dizzy cap is odd!

[Emma&Al]

Hi all,
I purchased some servicing bits from GSF - discovered i ordered the wrong rotor arm even though i typed in my van and they came up with that suggestion :-/
Just changed the air filter, started doing the distributor cap and realised i CANNOT get the old one off!!
I mean, it comes off but its incased in metal which is attached via rope and a metal connector....i've not seen this before. It looks like the distributor cap hasn't been changed in yonk..
I cannot get the old cap out of the metal case and the new one in. So im trying to put the new one in without using the metal case - but do i need the metal case? Is it an essential part??

ARGH!! I really do try and nothing seems to go smoothly!!!

Please help! Thanks all x

[Emma&Al]

So I just looked in the Haynes and there is no sign of this hunk of metal around the distributor cap..has someone added it? I now think I may have forgotten in what order the plugs go back on!!

[CovKid]

Just forget that pile of junk above and fit new cap.

As far as rotor arms go you can fit the rev-limiter style, or that used on later bays and bugs. I have the latter now.

[Emma&Al]

Thanks covkid - thank God for that, i've been trying to prize the cap out of the metal and its almost rusted on...!

The rotor arm I was sent, is black as opposed to brown and wont physically fit the hole...

[kevtherev]

The arm can only fit one way, be sure it is firmly on

[itchyfeet]

And what engine and year is it?
some vans have had different engines fitted over the years

[Emma&Al]

That's really helpful, thank you!

I did it! I've changed the air filter, the leads, the cap and had to suffice with cleaning up the old rotor arm as still can't fit the new one.
Turned her over and she is starting so beautifully!! I'm really happy!
I still have fuel filter to change.

Thanks for your help

Itchyfeet - its a 1990 Caravelle with 2.1 fuel injected petrol engine

[SamsBus2012]

So I just looked in the Haynes and there is no sign of this hunk of metal around the distributor cap..has someone added it? I now think I may have forgotten in what order the plugs go back on!!

So for us unenlightened ones, does anyone know what that lump of metal is? Some kind of crude interference shield/surpressor, the "rope" being an earth connection? Never seen anything like it!

[itchyfeet]

I have to say I bought a cap from eurocarparts jp group, looked pretty poorly made, I didn't fit it, just cleaner up my existing one, chances are gsf is similar quality

Worth getting another as a spare or keep your old one.

Brickwerks and VW heratige usually stock better quality

[CovKid]

The only thing I can think of is some previous owner was a valve radio fantatic and liked sitting on a hill somewhere with his headphones on and the engine running. Overkill for supression.

[itchyfeet]

Afaik the proper one should be shielded mine is, but doesn't look like that, maybe special spec for something like miltary and somebody fitted it, remember your engine or dizzy may not be origional.

https://www.brickwerks.co.uk/index.php/ ... elded.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

https://www.brickwerks.co.uk/index.php/ ... mited.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

https://www.brickwerks.co.uk/index.php/ ... mited.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Emma&Al]

I may be able to shed some light now you've mentioned a 'radio fanatic' or something similar - the van was an ex BBC van, there are cables in the oddest places. The main battery has a mic lead attached to it, there is a whole reel of cable located under the passenger footwell carpet - there are 2 aerials fitted one at the back and one at the front....

[CovKid]

[marlinowner]

That makes sense...
Here is a thread from clubgti.com

http://www.clubgti.com/showthread.php?8 ... -Dizzy-Cap" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Emma&Al]

Ooooh!!! maybe it was all top secret stuff! (or maybe something far less sinister!)-