Page 1 of 1
Rotor arms
Posted: 24 Feb 2018, 14:51
by Jeff J
My 1985 1.9 wbx seems to be eating rotor arms, any suggestions why, other than a faulty distributor cap. Thanks.
Re: Rotor arms
Posted: 24 Feb 2018, 16:07
by CovKid
Unless you're in the habit of revving the engine ridiculously high, try fitting a 71 onwards beetle rotor. Thats what I run in mine. At least they're cheap to buy (and widely available). I never liked the rev-limiting type as they soon go out of spec anyway.
Re: Rotor arms
Posted: 24 Feb 2018, 16:11
by CovKid
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Fiesta-S ... Swd0BVugSy" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Fits Beetle, T2 and T25 - despite mention of ford

Cheaper there than at GSF. Everyone should carry one anyway - good backup in an emergency. I converted mine to take the early v-dub rotor and cap, mostly because they're cheaper, work the same and a darned sight easier to get at most places. Will outlast the rev-limiter considerably.
Re: Rotor arms
Posted: 24 Feb 2018, 16:37
by Jeff J
I've had both types of arm in mine, fitted rev limiter type after other one failed this new one ( rev limiter) has lasted less than 1K miles. Plug leads dist. cap & rotor arm changed 5K miles ago. I think something is making the swiper burn out prematurely & I wondered if it could be anything other than a faulty cap causing the problem.
Re: Rotor arms
Posted: 24 Feb 2018, 16:59
by CovKid
Too large a gap at plugs or wrong plug type? That would do it.
Re: Rotor arms
Posted: 24 Feb 2018, 17:02
by itchyfeet
was the cap a quality part of a cheap crappy one, last one I bought from Eurocar parts looked very poorly made, if there is an excessive gap you will get arcing.
Re: Rotor arms
Posted: 25 Feb 2018, 06:08
by Jeff J
First one was a cheapo & I thought that was the problem, second one was good quality. On closer examination the swiper has actually split across as well as charring so I think I will go for new cap & rotor arm.
Re: Rotor arms
Posted: 25 Feb 2018, 08:37
by bigherb
Put a picture up of the damage.