Replacing Points, Rotor and Condenser

This should be carried out every 12000 miles or at least once a year.  
(It is recommended your points and condenser should be replaced as a set, I must admit I never have done and never had a problem in 15 years of driving air-cooled VW's but I always carry spares.)

Tools and Parts required;

• Flat blade screwdriver
• Feeler Gauges
• Point set, condenser and rotor arm for your distributor set.
  

Instructions;

• Remove the distributor cap and rotor from distributor body. 
• Disconnect the electrical spade connectors for both the points (inside the distributor) as well as the condenser on the negative ( marked "-" / "1") side of the coil the green wire.
• Unscrew the set screw for the points being careful not to loose the screw into the distributor.
  
• Remove the old points and inspect. (If they are in good condition clean them up as use them as your spares).
• Undo the screw on the side of the distributor that holds the condenser in place. Replace the condenser and replace it.  (again if its good save it for your spares)
• Position the points into place ensuring the pivot peg fits into the recess in the base plate. Replace the screw so it begins to squeeze the points down to the base plate but not tight.
• Hand turn the engine so that the points are in the open position, centre on one of the lobes, checking the gap with your feeler gauge. 
  
• Once the correct gap is achieved between .016" - .020" (0.40mm - 0.50mmtighten the screw and recheck the gap to ensure it is correct.
• Reconnect the spade connectors from the points to the condenser as well as the condenser to the negative (marked "-" / "1") side of the coil using the GREEN wire.
  
• Now replace the rotor arm and reposition the cap on the distributor body and clip the retaining clips in place.

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