Distributor: Service and Repair

To replace the hall sensor in the ignition distributor, you must remove the trigger wheel. Use the following procedure to avoid damaging the distributor.

REMOVAL

Cam Sprocket Timing Mark:

1. Turn the engine by hand in its normal direction of rotation until the camshaft timing mark is properly lined up with the edge of the valve cover.

At this point the #1 piston should be at TDC of its compression stroke (crankshaft timing mark at TDC).

2. Remove the distributor cap and mark the position of the distributor rotor on the distributor body, disconnect the hall sensor harness connector and remove the distributor from the cylinder head.

NOTE: The ignition distributor has an anti-tamper cover installed over the distributor hold down bolt. To remove the distributor, the shear bolt securing the cover must be removed to gain access to the hold down bolt. Replace the shear bolt and the cover when re-installing the distributor.

3. Lightly clamp distributor in holding fixture or vise being careful not to distort the distributor body.

Typical Hall Effect Distributor Assembly:

4. Remove rotor, dust cover and snap ring from distributor shaft.

NOTE: The rotor is glued to the distributor shaft from the factory, and cannot be removed without being destroyed. Cover distributor beneath rotor with a rag, to prevent pieces from falling into the distributor body. Break rotor off of shaft with pliers and clean glue off shaft with cleaning solvent.

Removing Hall Trigger Wheel:

5. Install suitable puller (Audi tool #3163 or equivalent) and tighten center bolt of puller against distributor shaft until trigger wheel is sufficiently loosened.

NOTE: There is a small pin which locates the trigger wheel on the distributor shaft. This pin may fall out when the trigger wheel is removed. Be careful not to lose it.

6. Remove screws securing hall sensor and remove hall sensor.

INSTALLATION


1. Install hall sensor and securing screws in distributor and tighten screws.

2. Place trigger wheel on shaft with locating pin and lightly tap near the center of trigger wheel, if necessary, to seat it just below the snap ring groove.

3. Install snap ring and new rotor (glue new rotor onto shaft being sure it is properly seated).

4. Check that camshaft and crankshaft timing marks are still properly lined up. If not, turn engine by hand until they are.

5. Install distributor so rotor lines up with mark on distributor body.

6. Install new shear bolt with cover and tighten.