Centrifugal Advance

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1983 Volkswagen Vanagon. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Check distributor in test stand, according to test equipment manufacturer's instructions. Operate distributor both up and down the RPM range, and check advance at all RPM settings specified. Adjust or replace springs, weights, or cam as necessary.
If distributor has adjustable driving collar for centrifugal advance, disassemble, and lift out shaft. See Fig 1. It is not necessary to remove breaker cam assembly from shaft.
To adjust, loosen screws retaining driving collar. If collar is turned in direction of rotation, the advance curve rises. Turning collar in opposite direction of rotation will lower the curve.
CAUTION: Centrifugal advance curve must not be adjusted by bending spring clamps of driving collar.

Fig 1: Centrifugal Advance Adjustment To adjust, turn driving collar in appropriate direction.
If distributor does not have adjustable driving collar, adjustment may be made by bending spring anchor tabs to modify spring tension. See Fig 2.
To adjust for low speed operation, bend primary spring anchor tab outward to decrease advance, and inward to increase advance. For high speed operation, bend secondary spring anchor tab in or out to obtain specified settings.

Fig 2: Centrifugal Advance Adjustment Modify spring tension by bending spring anchor tabs.