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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

AUTOTRONIC CONTROLS CORPORATION

 • 1490 HENRY BRENNAN DR., EL PASO, TEXAS 79936 • (915) 857-5200 • FAX (915) 857-3344

INSTALLING THE DISTRIBUTOR

1. Set the No. 1 cylinder toTDC under compression.
2. Remove the distributor cap.  Note the position of the rotor and which spark plug

terminal it is pointing to.  Mark the plug wire and the position of the rotor.

3. Remove the distributor

and the distributor
shaft spring.

3. Make sure the position

of  the distributor
driveshaft slot is
perpendicular to the
case seam (Figure 7).
If not, move it to the
proper position.

Figure 7  Distributor Driveshaft Position.

4. Remove the original clamp stud and install the supplied longer stud at least 1/2"

into the case.  Place the supplied spacer over the stud.

5. Install the collar and clamp to the distributor and snug the bolts (Figure 8).

Install the distributor into the engine making sure that it bottoms out on the
driveshaft.

6. Screw the nut onto the clamp stud

and finger tighten.  Locate the
supplied shims and set one
0.010" shim aside.

7. With the remaining shims, make

a stack that fits the gap between
the clamp and the distributor
housing (Figure 8).  It is
recommended to use a shim
stack that is slightly thicker than
the gap up to 0.005" however, it
may be 0.002" thinner.

8. Remove the distributor then

remove the clamp and collar.  Add
the one 0.010" shim that you set
aside to the shim stack and place
them on the distributor.

9. Install the clamp and collar so the

shims are sandwhiched between
the housing and the clamp.
Tighten the clamp and install the
two o-ring seals or use the original seal if it’s in good shape.

10.Install the distributor shaft spring and the distributor.  Make sure the rotor is

pointing to the number one terminal of the distributor cap.

11.Install the cap and spark plug wires.  If you are using the original spark plug

wires, the terminals and boots must be replaced with MSD 90° boots and
terminals, PN 8850.  MSD offers a set of custom length Heli-Core Wires for VW,
PN 3193.

Figure 8  Measuring the Required Distributor Shims.

Summary of Contents for 8485

Page 1: ... is the base timing of the engine before centrifugal advance begins Centrifugal Advance The centrifugal advance mechanism is made up of weights springs advance cam and an advance stop bushing The amount and rate of advance that your distributor is capable of is determined by the centrifugal timing If you ever wish to lock out the centrifugal advance refer to the centrifugal advance section Total T...

Page 2: ...g guideline can be found Engines with a combination of items from both columns will require a timing that is set in the mid range Obviously a full technical explanation of correct ignition timing would be very complicated The best way to arrive at a suitable ignition curve for your engine is to use the Ignition Timing Factors Chart as a guide and compare it to the Advance Graphs in Figure 2 until ...

Page 3: ...ings and the advance stop bushing There is no need to change the weights or advance cam SELECTING THE ADVANCE SPRINGS The rate or how quick the advance comes in is determined by the type of springs which are installed on the distributor The MSD distributors are equipped with two Heavy Silver springs installed These will give you the slowest advance curve possible The parts kit contains two additio...

Page 4: ... Using long needle nose pliers remove the springs from the spring posts 3 Install the new springs using the pliers and install the rotor and cap SELECTING THE ADVANCE STOP BUSHING Three different advance stop bushings are supplied in the distributor kit The distributor comes with a Blue 10 5 bushing already installed If a different amount of centrifugal advance is desired follow the next procedure...

Page 5: ...ut Figure 5 Changing the Advance Stop Bushing LOCKING OUT THE CENTRIFUGAL ADVANCE 1 Remove the roll pin from the drive gear and remove the gear from the shaft 2 Remove the advance springs weights and the advance stop bushing from the advance assembly 3 Slide the shaft two inches out of the housing 4 Rotate the shaft 180 and insert the advance stop bushing pin into the small hole on the advance pla...

Page 6: ... Screw the nut onto the clamp stud and finger tighten Locate the supplied shims and set one 0 010 shim aside 7 With the remaining shims make a stack that fits the gap between the clamp and the distributor housing Figure 8 It is recommended to use a shim stack that is slightly thicker than the gap up to 0 005 however it may be 0 002 thinner 8 Remove the distributor then remove the clamp and collar ...

Page 7: ...__________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________...

Page 8: ...nstalled Cutting wires close to the unit will void your warranty Be sure to include a detailed account of any problems experienced and what components and accessories are installed on the vehicle The repaired unit will be returned as soon as possible after receipt COD for any charges For more information call the MSD Customer Service Line 915 855 7123 MSD technicians are available from 8 00 a m to...

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