CU engine needs new distributor

[mgbman]

I would appreciate some help and advice please.

I am helping my son refurb his 1980 Devon CU engine which has been quite a bit neglected for a while.

We want to replace the electrics with all new but have no idea about replacement distributor (we would like an electronic SVDA one) and correct coil to go with it.

The engine currently has the original DVDA which is worn and we suspect the vac advance has failed. Only the advance is connected with the retard port open to the air.

We also suspect the Hall sender is failing as the engine suddenly loses power and stops after about 10 miles of driving.

[lefty67]

What carb do you have?

[mgbman]

The 32/34 pdsit solex stock carbs.

[lefty67]

I only have a limited knowledge of engines but on my cu I had a 034 svda with stock solex carbs and bosch coil. Ran very well.

http://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayIS ... 6382711212" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Isn't the retard port supposed to be blanked off when used with 34 carbs?

[mgbman]

The 034 is a points distributor. We want a modern electronic suitable for the CU engine.

[mr_nunn]

Isn't the retard port supposed to be blanked off when used with 34 carbs?

If i remember right in the stock setup with 32 34 pdsit the retard side of dizzy connects to the cross pipe towards the back, and the advance side to the port on the LH carb. However i imagine it can still run ok with the retard side disconnected as the retard is supposedly just to help emissions. But the port on the cross pipe (if present) should be blocked or this would draw air in and weaken the mixture.


Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

[mgbman]

But we are looking for a new electronic SVDA distributor to replace the old DVDA setup with the ignition amplifier.

[lefty67]

But we are looking for a new electronic SVDA distributor to replace the old DVDA setup with the ignition amplifier.

Found this for you. Unfortunately its from USA but it contains some very useful info. Seem to be difficult to source in uk
http://www.svda-distributor.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[ajsimmo]

Here you go
http://www.simonbbc.com/bundle_deals/st ... park_plugs

[bigherb]

The only distributor tuned to the engine characteristics is the original distributor but is no longer available new. The generic type replacement is this one which you can use with the original coil, not the correct advance curve but better than nothing and keep an eye out for a good S/H distributor.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Bus-T1-T2- ... 0595742847" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I keep one as a spare in the van, pre fitted with a clamp and timed to the engine in case I have a hall sender failure out on the road.
What is actually worn out on the old distributor?

[mgbman]

At this point in time we suspect, not proven, that the Hall sender is failing as the engine stops suddenly with sudden loss of power after a few miles out on the road. Also we think the vac advance is not working as it should.

The engine starts and idles ok, but at idle the engine speed rises and falls in a sort of rhythm.

The fuel system is up for complete replacement as the old tank is cruddy and the fuel filter keeps crudding up.

The fuel filler pipe is a plastic one, the van is a 1980 Devon, so assume the plastic was a replacement.

Brickwerks sell a good quality late tank so we are thinking of going for that. Are there any issues we may have fitting a later tank.

The solex pdsit carbs are old and not been touched by us and I have 2 refurbed ones to fit.

[sarran1955]

Hello,

So you are thinking of crossing over to the DARK SIDE...

This may be of help :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkyBAMMHpa4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It might be worth buying the Simon BBC bundle as suggested.. as this will give you a new coil..

One less thing to go wrong..

Like BigHerb I carry a spare distributor..

but as a total heretic.. .. I use a points and condenser distributor..off my '74 pickup..

As an Aircooled owner..you will find a huge potential storage area for your spare dizzy, starter, cylinder head, 2 cylinders and pistons,alternator and special tools in the unused radiator space.... in a hang up tidy..(suitably modified)..accessed through the spare wheel well..

don't worry about the extra weight..use some of the margin you have gained over 18kg of coolant, + 30 kgs of radiator, pump and plumbing..

Aircooled bliss...


Cordialement,

[bigherb]

Are there any issues we may have fitting a later tank.

No the early and late tanks are interchangeable apart from the filler neck hole size, if you have the later plastic filler neck then fit a late tank as it makes fitting the poor quality replacements easier. If you are thinking of replacing the sender unit you still need the early sender unit.

[mgbman]

Thanks, yes I like the air cooled so much I got my own 1975 Bay tin top with the 1600 engine as a retirement hobby and my son has his T25 Devon, so we work on our vans together. We took our vans to the Brighton Breeze 2016 recently and sadly my son's T25 broke down again on the way home to Hastings. So we need to sort it.

The idea of getting the Simonbbc bundle sounds good, presumably the old ignition amplifier setup would need to be bypassed in some way?

I see that JustKampers sell a replacement Hall sender unit, but I have no idea if it will fit the CU distributor. What do you think is the best way forward?

Thanks about the tank, we do have to replace it as its full of crud and rusted on the top and leaking fuel. We are going to replace the breathers setup at the same time as that's leaking as well, so not good.

Also with the tank out we hope to fit a gear rod bush as its missing. Any idea where to source that bush?

Also is it worth getting a new fuel sender, the old one works ok and with the original gauge. Would a new sender cause a gauge reading problem.

[mgbman]

This is the Just Kampers hall sender replacement

http://www.justkampers.com/034-998-065- ... -1992.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;