VW VACUUM ADVANCE DISTRIBUTOR

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. IMPORTANT: Read all instructions before starting installation.
2. For 12-volt negative ground systems only.
3. WARNING!!! DO NOT USE WITH SOLID IGNITION WIRES.

DISTRIBUTOR REMOVAL
1. Crank the engine until the first cylinder in the firing order is at TDC "Top Dead
Center" on its compression stroke. The timing indicator should point to TDC or 0.
LIMITED WARRANTY 2. Remove the distributor cap, and make sure that the rotor is pointing towards the
contact on the distributor cap for the first cylinder in the firing order.
PerTronix, LLC. warrants to the original Purchaser of its Flame-Thrower distributor 3. Disconnect the battery negative (-) cable.
that the product shall be free from defects in material and workmanship (normal wear
4. Disconnect all wires and hoses attached to the distributor.
and tear excluded) for a period of 12 months from the date of
purchase. 5. Remove the distributor hold down.
If within the period of the foregoing warranty PerTronix finds, after inspection, that 6. Remove the distributor and drive shaft spring.
the product or any component thereof is defective, PerTronix will, at its option, repair 7. Verify that the distributor driveshaft slot is perpendicular to the engine case
such products or component or replace them with identical or similar parts PROVIDED seam. See figure A.
that within such period Purchaser:
8. Check the original distributor for excessive wear, or potential problems.
1. Promptly notifies PerTronix, in writing, of such defects. 9. Remove the distributor hold-down clamp from the original distributor for use with
2. Delivers the defective product or component to the new distributor.
PerTronix (Attn: Warranty) with proof of purchase date; and
3. Has installed and used the product in a normal and proper
DISTRIBUTOR INSTALLATION
manner, consistent with PerTronix printed instructions 1. Install the original distributor hold-down clamp onto
the new distributor housing. The clamp should sit
THE FOREGOING LIMITED WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF flat against the distributor collar.
ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY 2. Remove the Flame-Thrower distributor cap.
IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
3. Turn the distributor drive tang so that it lines up
THE FURNISHING OF A REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENT with the distributor driveshaft slot.
OR COMPONENTS SHALL CONSTITUTE THE SOLE REMEDY OF PURCHASER 4. Install the distributor driveshaft spring.
AND THE SOLE LIABILITY OF PerTronix WHETHER ON WARRANTY, CONTRACT 5. Set the distributor into the engine. The distributor
OR FOR NEGLIGENCE, AND IN NO EVENT WILL PerTronix BE LIABLE FOR hold-down should sit completely flat on engine
MONEY DAMAGES WHETHER DIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL.
block.
6. Place the distributor cap onto the housing. Figure A
7. Turn the housing so that the terminal, that represents
the first cylinder in the firing order, lines up with the rotor contact terminal.
8. Tighten the hold down and slightly tighten the distributor clamp. Once the ignition
timing is adjusted the distributor clamp should be tightened completely.
9. Hold down clamp must be free of paint and corrosion, this will insure that a
440 East Arrow Highway proper ground is made to the engine block..
San Dimas, CA 91773
10. Clip down the distributor cap and install the spark plug wires in the proper firing
909-599-5955
www.pertronix.com order. Beginning with the number one cylinder move clockwise 1 - 4 - 3 - 2.

10-17 0017-004426
11. Locate and temporarily plug the end of the vacuum hose that was previously
attached to the vacuum advance canister. After setting initial timing the hose will COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
be unplugged and attached to the vacuum advance on the distributor. Q. The engine will not start or runs rough. What is the problem?
A. Check all connections to insure that they are tight, and in the proper location.
WIRING Make sure that the red wire from the Flame-Thrower distributor is supplied with a
The Flame-Thrower distributor can be used in conjunction with most full 12 volts. Check all wires for shorts, correct polarity and that the ignition coil’s
ignition coils rated at 3.0 ohms or greater. For optimum performance purchase primary resistance level is acceptable.
and install a 3.0 ohm Flame-Thrower or 3.0 ohm HV high performance coil.
Q. The vehicle will start, but then die. After waiting it will start again. What is wrong?
1. Many vehicles came equipped with ballast resistors or resistance wires. To A. Check for a “Low Voltage Problem.” If the voltage supplied to the Flame-Thrower
achieve optimum performance we recommended removal of these distributor red wire is insufficient, the system may run for a period of time, and
components. then shut down as the voltage drops due to engine heat. The period may vary
2. Determine the proper wire length, and attach the provided terminals. (Use a from minutes to hours depending on available voltage and wiring condition.
designated wire crimping tool to achieve an adequate connection)
3. Attach the Red wire to the coil positive terminal or a 12-volt ignition source. Q. How do I check for a “Low Voltage Problem” or determine if I am getting adequate
Note: Original ignition wire must be connected to the (+) positive side of the voltage?
Ignition coil. A. To quickly test for a “Low Voltage Problem” or for adequate voltage, remove the
4. Attach the Black wire to the coil negative terminal. Ignitor red wire from the coil positive terminal. Attach a jumper wire from the bat
5. Check to insure correct polarity and that all connections are tight. tery positive terminal to the Ignitor red wire. Try to start the vehicle. If the vehicle
6. Reconnect the battery negative cable. starts, low voltage is the problem.

Q. How do I check my coil for primary resistance?

A. Remove all wires from the coil. Set the ohmmeter to the lowest scale. Attach one
lead of the meter to the positive coil terminal. Attach the other lead to the negative
coil terminal. The Flame-Thrower distributor is compatible with coils having a resis-
tance of 3.0 ohms or greater.

Q. May I modify the length of the wires?

A. Yes, you may cut the wires to any length your application requires. You may also
add lengths of wire if needed (20-gauge). Make sure that all wire splices are clean
and the connections are tight.

Q. Will the Flame-Thrower distributor work with aftermarket capacitive discharge boxes?
A. Yes, the Flame-Thrower distributor is compatible with most CD boxes in the same
respect as points. Use the CD box wiring instructions for point systems and treat
the Ignitor black wire as a point wire. The Ignitor red wire should be attached to
the 12-volt power source. Do not connect Ignitor red wire to the coil.

Q. How can I receive additional help?

A. Check our web site for current trouble shooting tips and up to date technical
information. Log on to www.pertronix.com. You may also contact our tech line at
(909-547-9058)
FINAL ADJUSTMENTS
1. Start the engine and set the initial timing.
2. Tighten the distributor hold down clamp.
3. Connect the vacuum hose to the vacuum advance canister.