Checking the capacitor (VW Beetle)

Capacitor (it is located outside on the ignition distributor) has a significant impact on achieving the required ignition voltage. It prevents sparking at the breaker contacts and, consequently, their premature burning.

A faulty capacitor is indicated by heavily burnt breaker contacts, a weak ignition spark and difficulty starting the engine. In general, faulty capacitors are extremely rare. An accurate check of the capacitor's performance can only be performed using special measuring instruments. However, in most cases, a visual inspection or a trial installation of a new capacitor is sufficient.

Visual inspection

Remove the distributor cap. Use a screwdriver to separate the contacts. If there are traces of burning on the contacts (blue color), then this indicates a faulty capacitor. Gray or black marks are not a cause for concern.

Turn on the starter with the distributor cap removed (an assistant should do this). During starting, observe the breaker contacts. If strong sparks constantly appear between them, this indicates a faulty capacitor. The appearance of weak, irregular sparks is normal.

(The original article is available on the website vwmanual.ru)