Distributor Drive Pinion Shim, for Type 1 VW Engines, Each

OVERVIEW

Precision is the hallmark of a long-lasting air-cooled engine, and the Distributor Drive Pinion Shim is a small but mighty component that ensures your internal timing components stay exactly where they belong. Located deep within the engine case, this shim acts as a critical thrust surface between the distributor drive gear and the engine case seat. Without this shim, or by using a worn-out original, the rotating drive gear will slowly mill away at the soft magnesium or aluminum of your engine case, leading to excessive axial play, erratic ignition timing, and eventually, catastrophic internal damage. When you are building a high-performance 1600cc or restoring a classic 1200cc, skipping this component is simply not an option for the serious builder who values longevity and reliability.

At Appletree Auto, we know that the difference between a motor that runs for 100,000 miles and one that fails prematurely often comes down to the smallest details. This EMPI distributor drive pinion shim is manufactured to exact OEM specifications to provide the perfect clearance and protection for your drive assembly. It is designed to withstand the constant friction and heat cycles inherent in the VW Type 1 engine environment. Whether you are assembling a fresh magnesium case or a modern aluminum bubble-top case, these shims provide the necessary spacing to keep your distributor drive gear aligned perfectly with the brass drive gear on the crankshaft. Don''t risk your investment by reusing thin, distorted, or scored shims; install new hardware to ensure your VW stays on the road or the dunes for years to come.

FITMENT

This distributor drive pinion shim is designed for all Type 1 based air-cooled engines. It is a universal fit for standard upright engine configurations from 1954 through 1979.

• VW Beetle: 1954-1977 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956-1974
• VW Bus / Transporter: 1954-1971 (Type 1 Engine models)
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973-1974
• VW Squareback, Fastback, Notchback: Type 3 models using Type 1 based cases
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Trikes, and Baja Bugs using 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based engines.

SPECS

Every shim is inspected to ensure it meets the rigorous demands of a high-revving air-cooled flat-four engine. Below are the technical specifications for the 111-105-235A shim.

• OEM Part Number: 111-105-235A
• Application: Distributor Drive Gear Thrust Surface
• Material: High-Grade Hardened Spring Steel
• Inner Diameter: Precision bored for Type 1 distributor drive shafts
• Outer Diameter: Optimized for standard VW engine case bores
• Engine Compatibility: 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, 1600cc, and stroker variants
• Quantity: Sold Individually (Note: Most engines require two)
• Finish: Natural Steel / Light Oil Coating for corrosion resistance

PRO TIPS

1. The Golden Rule of Two Shims

In the vast majority of VW Type 1 engine builds, the factory specification requires two of these shims to be placed under the distributor drive gear. These two shims work together to create a bearing-like surface, allowing for slight movement and thermal expansion without the gear ever making direct contact with the engine case. Always check your workshop manual, but if you only see one shim during teardown, it is highly likely the previous builder made a mistake or the second shim is stuck to the bottom of the gear or the case seat with old oil. Always install two fresh shims for maximum protection.

2. Use Assembly Lube for the First Start

The distributor drive assembly is one of the last things to get full oil pressure during a cold start or a fresh engine break-in. To prevent the shims from "galling" or scoring the case surface during those first few critical rotations, apply a generous amount of high-quality engine assembly lube or heavy-duty zinc-rich oil to the shims before dropping them into the hole. This ensures that the interface between the steel shim and the engine case is lubricated until the internal splash lubrication takes over.

3. Verification of Drive Gear Depth

After installing your shims and dropping in the distributor drive gear, always verify that the gear is seated at the correct depth and that it rotates freely without binding. Use a long flat-head screwdriver or a dedicated distributor drive puller tool to ensure the gear has engaged the crankshaft brass gear properly. If you feel any "springiness" or if the gear doesn''t sit flush, a shim might be cocked or misaligned at the bottom of the bore. Taking the extra thirty seconds to verify this alignment now will save you from a destroyed brass gear and a complete engine teardown later.