1.9 WBX Distributor Woes

[Callie’s Camper]

Good Evening!

First post so apologies is it’s in the wrong location…

I have a 1.9l WBX T25 panel van which I have been going through over the past couple of weeks ready for VW Action.

I recently cleaned out the carb as it wasn’t running particularly smoothly, and while it made a difference, it still wasn’t great. The van would idle fine, but as soon as you gave it any revs it would bog down, sometimes stalling altogether.

I have replaced the majority of the ignition system (plugs, leads, coil and all vacuum lines) but hadn't got round to replacing the rotor and distributor as the one which was sent in my service kit didn’t have the required pins.

I was at BugJam today so decided to pick up a replacement rotor arm and distributor which I fitted as soon as I got home. When I went to start the van it wouldn’t fire, and instead backfired continually sounding like someone was shooting a shotgun in the back! I replaced the new arm and cap with the old ones (which were working) and the issue persists! 

I have checked that the arm is sat in the notch correctly, and the cap is located and clipped in correctly. I have also removed and reseated all HT leads. I haven’t moved the distributor body, however it is possible the arm was moved when putting the new one on.

Is there anything obvious I’m missing, as I just can’t get the van to run. I’m worried the neighbours will be jumping for cover every time I try to start it!

Thanks!
Andy
 

[Aidan]

obvious thing is the leads are on in the wrong order, double check tdc #1 cyclinder matches the cut out on the top of the disi just in case the disi drive is installed 180' out which isn't uncommon, if good then double check plug leads, 1-4-3-2 order, 1 is front right, 2 is rear right, 3 is front left, 4 is rear left, 1 and 2 leads do cross over on their way to the spark plugs

[TwinTurbo]

Are the leads in the right order as that's the most obvious thing.

[Callie’s Camper]

All sorted thanks! Despite checking 3 times, I had two leads crossed over!

Andy