TheSamba.com :: View topic - Distributor rubber o-ring size?

Wed Mar 24, 2010 1:08 am

Are there different o-ring sizes? I'm using a new o-ring from the engine gasket set (Erling), o-ring has a flat inside and round outside. I have a Mallory Unilite and an aluminum case. I put some white grease and tried everything and can't get the distributor into the case, I even slid the distributor clamp onto the distributor first so the o-ring is at the case. The case is split open and the distributor drive pinion is out of the way, it shouldn't be so difficult, what am I missing here?

Wed Mar 24, 2010 3:35 am

I have had the same trouble. Try a used O ring. I know that's wrong, but it works.

Wed Mar 24, 2010 6:59 am

Take rotor off, with a piece of wood on dist shaft smack it once good with a hammer, it will go.

Wed Mar 24, 2010 7:04 am

Maybe it's the new aluminum case that's the problem.

Here's a Bosch o-ring.

Wed Mar 24, 2010 8:44 am

I personally have seen a difference in a lot of these new O rings. Some are too big. You shouldn't have to use a hammer to get your distb. in. A slight/snug push from up top should be all it takes. I can't imagine trying to remove a distb. if you had to put a hammer to it to get it in. Some of these aftermarket O rings are just plain dump.

Wed Mar 24, 2010 8:45 am

Does it go in without the o-ring?

Wed Mar 24, 2010 9:03 am

Yes, the distributor goes in without the o-ring. I compared the o-rings old one is fully round and not as thick and it slips into the case easily by itself. The new one doesn't slip into the case, it can only sit at the hole entry where it has a tappered edge but won't go past it. So far this tells me the new one is a no go.

I think the old o-ring came with my Mallory but I'm not 100% sure. Maybe I have to stick with the old one for now, I didn't have problems just rebuilding motor and thought to change it while I was setting the drive pinion end-play.

Wed Mar 24, 2010 9:07 am

Contact Mallory and ask if they use a special o-ring and just buy one from them.

Wed Mar 24, 2010 9:11 am

Thanks Glenn I'll do just that. I guess the o-ring in the gasket kit is for VW distributors and I assumed Mallory followed the same but maybe not, now I'm curious and I'll get a few from them and compare with what I have.

Wed Mar 24, 2010 3:17 pm

IIRC the mallory uses an o-ring, not the stock seal.

Wed Mar 24, 2010 7:21 pm

Eaallred wrote: IIRC the mallory uses an o-ring, not the stock seal.
There's your answer.

Wed Mar 24, 2010 7:41 pm

Glenn, I know you must have a bunch of those "correct" o-rings. I have also fought that bastard aftermarket o-ring until I was blue. Would you sell me 3-4 of the correct ones?

Thanks!

Wed Mar 24, 2010 7:45 pm

I don't have any loose ones at the moment but you can get them at your VW dealer.

111 905 261

Just order by part number.

Wed Mar 24, 2010 9:17 pm

Yep the Mallory uses an o-ring like Eaallred mentioned. I called Mallory today and the guy said he would send me couple samples, free! He said o-ring suppliers should have them if you can find the correct size.

The size is I.D. 0.862, 0.103 thickness, made from Buna-N rubber material basically resistance to petroleum with a temperature range for the application. I searched around and .862 is an odd number. I also checked Jeg's and Summit but they have kits and don't specify the sizes, oh well VW's live on.

Fri Mar 26, 2010 8:16 am

Glenn wrote: I don't have any loose ones at the moment but you can get them at your VW dealer.

111 905 261

Just order by part number.

My VW dealer says the PN is obsolete, no longer available.

Any other sources?

Fri Mar 26, 2010 8:19 am

It looks sort of like this one....

http://www.busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=111905261

Fri Mar 26, 2010 9:44 am

I had a hard time finding an original Bosch o-ring... try these guys:

www.hot-spark.com/Hot-Spark-SVDA034-3BOS4U1.htm

I believe the one I got from them was a real Bosche product - it definitely looked a lot different than one I got at the local aftermarket VW store... it actually felt like rubber and looked like the one in Glenn's picture...

Fri Mar 26, 2010 2:31 pm

They come with the Elring engine gasket kits, and are avaliable seperatly as well.

Aircooled.net carried them when I worked there (4 years ago now I guess).

Mon Mar 29, 2010 8:28 pm

I have used quite a few o rings both new and old stock and they are all pretty much the same. The fit is supposed to be snug. Does not apply to the Mallory units.

Mon Mar 29, 2010 9:17 pm

Wolfgang has dizzy o'rings in stock.
Doubt their Bosch, but they have them.

Craig