Ignition Issue, Wrong Distributor? Options

[PDXBob]

I’ve been chasing a bad miss on my 1975 914 for some time and thought it might be my Pertronix Ignitor ignition unit. When I tried to replace it the new one didn’t fit. So, went back to points and condenser. I may have the wrong points and condenser, because it wouldn’t start..

After some detective work I think a previous owner installed a distributor out of a 1975-1976 VW bus! The reason I think this is true is because when I google my current Bosch Distributor number, 231 176 048 I’m getting an eBay listing for a reconditioned VW bus distributor.

My question is: is there a cross reference where I could put in Bosch Distributor #231 176 048 and find what vehicles this was put in so I can get the right points and condenser?

Long term, I will replace this distributor with a correct Porsche 914 one, but I want to get back on the road now and enjoy the beautiful Pacific NW winter weather (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
Thx, PDXBob

[SirAndy]

After some detective work I think a previous owner installed a distributor out of a 1975-1976 VW bus! The reason I think this is true is because when I google my current Bosch Distributor number, 231 176 048 I’m getting an eBay listing for a reconditioned VW bus distributor.

Do you have the engine number?

Wouldn't be the first time someone installed a bus engine in a 914.
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[emerygt350]

That's just what I was thinking....

[brant]

I know I have an extra 75 distributor in can sell if that’s your problem

[PDXBob]

After some detective work I think a previous owner installed a distributor out of a 1975-1976 VW bus! The reason I think this is true is because when I google my current Bosch Distributor number, 231 176 048 I’m getting an eBay listing for a reconditioned VW bus distributor.

Do you have the engine number?

Wouldn't be the first time someone installed a bus engine in a 914.
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Sir Andy,
My engine number is #EC 0413032.

[914Sixer]

Here you go, click to open. All of 914 distributors.

[porschetub]

I’ve been chasing a bad miss on my 1975 914 for some time and thought it might be my Pertronix Ignitor ignition unit. When I tried to replace it the new one didn’t fit. So, went back to points and condenser. I may have the wrong points and condenser, because it wouldn’t start..

After some detective work I think a previous owner installed a distributor out of a 1975-1976 VW bus! The reason I think this is true is because when I google my current Bosch Distributor number, 231 176 048 I’m getting an eBay listing for a reconditioned VW bus distributor.

My question is: is there a cross reference where I could put in Bosch Distributor #231 176 048 and find what vehicles this was put in so I can get the right points and condenser?

Long term, I will replace this distributor with a correct Porsche 914 one, but I want to get back on the road now and enjoy the beautiful Pacific NW winter weather (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
Thx, PDXBob

Firstly a Pertronix unit won't create a miss ..they just work or don't , secondly this dizzy should still work enough to make it start and because this is a carb type dizzy it can work ,put the pertronix back and a start from the start .
Recheck firing order and dizzy postion to #1 cylinder ,coil wire etc ,to name a few but you didn't mention the non start symptoms ,so you need to explain them ?.
Your engine is a 1974 1800 bus motor so that's why you have the dizzy you have , setup right you can have great running engine with the right carbs cause you won't have the FI cam .....ask me how I know ? I have done two and they went really well but they weren't for a 914 .
Cheers and have a good xmas .

[wonkipop]

I’ve been chasing a bad miss on my 1975 914 for some time and thought it might be my Pertronix Ignitor ignition unit. When I tried to replace it the new one didn’t fit. So, went back to points and condenser. I may have the wrong points and condenser, because it wouldn’t start..

After some detective work I think a previous owner installed a distributor out of a 1975-1976 VW bus! The reason I think this is true is because when I google my current Bosch Distributor number, 231 176 048 I’m getting an eBay listing for a reconditioned VW bus distributor.

My question is: is there a cross reference where I could put in Bosch Distributor #231 176 048 and find what vehicles this was put in so I can get the right points and condenser?

Long term, I will replace this distributor with a correct Porsche 914 one, but I want to get back on the road now and enjoy the beautiful Pacific NW winter weather (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
Thx, PDXBob

Firstly a Pertronix unit won't create a miss ..they just work or don't , secondly this dizzy should still work enough to make it start and because this is a carb type dizzy it can work ,put the pertronix back and a start from the start .
Recheck firing order and dizzy postion to #1 cylinder ,coil wire etc ,to name a few but you didn't mention the non start symptoms ,so you need to explain them ?.
Your engine is a 1974 1800 bus motor so that's why you have the dizzy you have , setup right you can have great running engine with the right carbs cause you won't have the FI cam .....ask me how I know ? I have done two and they went really well but they weren't for a 914 .
Cheers and have a good xmas .

no, i believe he does not have a bus engine.
his engine is EC0413032.
in 75 only the 914s were getting the EC engines.
the 412 had ceased production.

the bus 1800s are ED engines. engine number on block would begin with ED.
the buses did have L jet i believe, similar to but not exactly like a EC engine.
dizzy on a 74 bus 1800 is part# 021 905 205P
don't have info on a 75 bus engine.

original dizzy for a 75 1800 EC (914) is slightly more complex.
originally the 74 USA, 74 CALIF and 75 uSA had 022 905 205AA.
this was fitted with a speed limiter rotor.
has a dual vacuum chamber for vac advance and retard.

the dizzy for the 75 CAL had the 022 905 205 AB
didn't have the speed limiter rotor.
had fuel cut out switch i believe instead.

difference in them was all down to the rotor.

not sure how you go finding these dizzys these days.
obsolete equipment.

but those are the part numbers for original dizzys fitted to cars.

[Superhawk996]

Engine doesn’t care what dizzy is in it if carb’d. Bosch 009, 050, Mallory, 123 dizzy, and especially a bus distributor will allow the engine to function if carb’d. if you have fuel injection then you’ll need proper distributor with the FI trigger contacts or the appropriate 123 dizzy.

Your no run condition after the points swap is a different problem.

Get Haynes manual. Start with the basics.

Otherwise not enough info in the post to help you. Fuel issues and ignition issues are often confused one for the other.

[technicalninja]

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I'd put the original Petronix stuff back in, get it running, and isolate the miss.

These ignition threads are BAD about people worrying about just what the exact correct parts are and other non-diagnostic approaches to what should be a simple issue.

I would say the 123 stuff is the way most folks should lean if they had to spend money.

But, if it ran before, it should run again on the original set up!

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[PDXBob]

Thanks to all for the usual great advice. I’m not a mechanic by trade, but I love working on this car. Great rainy day project for a Pacific Northwester.

[StarBear]

Thanks to all for the usual great advice. I’m not a mechanic by trade, but I love working on this car. Great rainy day project for a Pacific Northwester.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif)

[technicalninja]

I’ve been chasing a bad miss on my 1975 914 for some time and thought it might be my Pertronix Ignitor ignition unit. When I tried to replace it the new one didn’t fit. So, went back to points and condenser. I may have the wrong points and condenser, because it wouldn’t start..

Firstly a Pertronix unit won't create a miss ..they just work or don't ...

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

An electronic points replacement ignitor (this is what the Pertronix is) CAN be intermittent, MIGHT create a miss but this is FREAKING RARE!

What those critters USUALLY do is overheat. Once overheated they flat don't work.
If this happens on 635 in Dallas rush hour you are SCREWED. Dead puppy, wherever you are!

Once you let them cool down, they MAGICALLY work again: right up the point of overheat...

Years back we could buy GOOD "component cooler" which was normally refrigerant.
You could FORCE cool the item and pinpoint your issue.
I always kept a can in stock.
The new "environmentally friendly" component cooler doesn't work nearly as well today.

This is why I posted what I did.

Porschetub's RIGHT!

I'd bet BIG money the ignitor is not the source of your miss.

[PDXBob]

I’m going to leave in the “VW Bus” distributor (Bosch #231 176 048) and go with old school points, condenser and rotor. Then get it started. Then I have to decide if I should add PerTronix Ignitor back on or leave in points. Dat’s da plan.