How do you set the points on a Volkswagen beetle?

Answer 1

There are two ways. Both start the same way. The cheap and dirty method requires a .016" feeler gauge, a 30mm wrench and a flat-tip screwdriver. Take the distributor cap off, followed by the rotor. Turn the engine with the wrench until the points are open all the way. Stick the feeler gauge into the gap (pry them open if you have to). Loosen the hold-down screw a little, then tighten it again. If you can get the gauge out and back in again without prying the points open, put the car back together and you're done. The right way is to use a dwell meter. Hook it up, set it to the 4 Cylinder setting and start the engine. If the dwell is 50 degrees (plus-minus 2) you're done. If it's too low, the points are too far open. If it's too high, they're too far closed. Adjust as necessary to get it right.