Distributor Drive Gear Lock Ring - All Aircooled and Waterboxer Engines

This crankshaft lock ring is a small but critical internal engine component, designed to secure the distributor drive gear and crankshaft timing gears firmly in place. Fitted directly onto the crankshaft, it ensures that the distributor drive remains correctly positioned, maintaining accurate ignition timing throughout engine operation.

During engine rotation, the crankshaft drives the distributor gear, which in turn controls ignition timing. If this gear were to move or shift, timing would become inconsistent, leading to poor performance or potential engine damage. This lock ring prevents that movement by positively locating the gear assembly on the crankshaft, ensuring precise alignment under all operating conditions.

Manufactured from high-strength steel, this ring is designed to withstand constant rotational forces, heat and oil exposure inside the engine. It is an essential component during any engine rebuild or when replacing distributor drive gears, and should always be checked for wear or replaced as a precaution during assembly.

Key Features

• Secures distributor drive gear to crankshaft
• Maintains accurate ignition timing
• High-strength steel construction for durability
• Designed for long-term reliability in high-stress environments
• Essential component for engine rebuilds

How It Works
The lock ring fits onto the crankshaft and holds the distributor drive gear and associated timing gears in position. As the crankshaft rotates, it drives the distributor via this gear. The lock ring prevents axial movement of the gear, ensuring consistent engagement and precise ignition timing.

Important Notes

• 1 required per engine
• Must be correctly installed during engine assembly
• Recommended replacement during rebuilds or major engine work

Related Parts

• Distributor drive gear
• Crankshaft timing gears
• Main bearings and thrust washers
• Engine gasket and seal kits
• Distributor assemblies and ignition components

To Fit

Aircooled VW

• VW Beetle – 1949–1979 – Type 1 engines 1200cc–1600cc
• VW T2 Splitscreen Bus – 1950–1967 – Type 1 engines 1200cc–1600cc
• VW T2 Baywindow – 1968–1979 – Type 1 engines 1200cc–1600cc
• VW Karmann Ghia – 1955–1974 – Type 1 engines 1200cc–1600cc
• VW Type 3 – 1961–1973 – Type 1 engines
• VW Type 181 Trekker – 1968–1983 – Type 1 engines
• VW Beach Buggy / Baja – 1949–1979 – Type 1 engines

Aircooled / Watercooled VW

• VW T2 Baywindow – 1972–1979 – Type 4 engines 1700cc–2000cc
• VW Type 25 / T3 – 1979–1992 – Watercooled engines

Porsche

• Porsche 914 – 1970–1976 – Type 4 engines