Volkswagen Golf Quiz
Electrical System

Checking Distributor Vacuum Advance Unit (Conventional Ignition System)

In this manual: Electrical System
General Information — 9Engine — 14Engine Disassembly and Assembly, 1.1 and 1.3 l Engines — 15Engine Disassembly and Assembly, 1.6 and 1.8 L Engines — 13Diesel Engine Disassembly and Assembly — 16Fuel System — 1Carburetor Engine Fuel System — 19Fuel injection system — 17Diesel Engine Fuel System — 15Clutch — 12Transmission — 37Transmission — 8Front-wheel drive — 5Steering — 12Front Suspension — 9Rear Suspension — 4Brake System — 16Body — 26Electrical System — 42Wiring Diagrams — 24
~1min read

PROCEDURE

An accurate check of the vacuum advance unit requires a vacuum pump with a gauge. However, whether the vacuum advance unit works can be checked with a timing light: PROCEDURE 1. Connect a timing light to the engine. 2. Start the engine. 3. Aim the timing light at the timing marks (see step 4 of subsection 12.13.1.6). 4. Increase engine speed to 3000 min-1. Disconnect the hose from vacuum advance unit 19 (see figure Distributor); the mark on the crankshaft pulley or flywheel should move. Reconnect the hose to the vacuum advance unit; the mark should return to its original position. If the mark does not move, the vacuum advance unit is faulty and must be replaced, or the vacuum hose is leaking.

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