Could use a little help with this Distributor

[2Dokas]

I purchased this distributor from someone on this forum, rebuilt. Dont recall who and I cant find any trace of payment to ask for help.

It was 7-8 years ago but the engine has maybe 25 miles on it.

One of the machine screws that hold the vacuum advance was held in place by a homemade insert (looks like it was a nut ground "round") that came loose and out.

I guess I have a couple of options.

Find another one.....

Fix this one...

this requires the removal of the vacuum and the plate that the points sit on.

I have no idea how to do either of those, tips would be helpful.

I can drill out the hole, find a suitable machine screw and shorten it and tap the hole.

or the less desirable option is my old friend JB weld but I think even this insert has stripped threads.
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87 Doka 2WD Ej22,
56 Convertible

[Glenn]

When i ran into that problem I just used a slightly larger screw.

A 8/32 x 3/16 is slightly larger and the threads are a bot course. It will cut it;s other threads so no need to run a tap first. If the hole is larger, due to the insert, try a M5 screw. The cast iron body will take a tap if you use a M5 screw. You might have to make the hole in the vacuum advance a bit larger for the M5.

If you think the 8/32 x 3/16 will fit, PM me your address and i'll drop one in the mail.
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Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"

Member #1009

#BlueSquare

[BulliBill]

Nice of you Glenn!

Bill Bowman
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I'm looking for these license plate frames for my fleet:
Coeur D'Alene - Lake Shore Volkswagen
Mission VW - San Fernando
Thornton VW - Stockton

Thanks for any help!

[VW_Jimbo]

What about using a Rivnut. They are made for this type of low stress situation!

WETOLS Rivet Nut Tool, Hand Rivet with 7 Metric & Inch Mandrels M6 M8 M10, 1/4-20, 5/16-18, 3/8-16, 70pcs Rivnuts and Blow Carry Case, Steel - WE-882
https://a.co/d/gS87VmE
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Jimbo

There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!

[2Dokas]

[Glenn]

In the mail Monday
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Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"

Member #1009

#BlueSquare

[heimlich]

I created a special thread repair so that you can use the existing screws.

https://www.vwnos.com/cast-iron-threaded-insert-repair


Helicoils don't work well so don't try that.
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