111-105-223 VW Brass Distributor Drive Gear - 1200cc-1600cc Engines

Brass Distributor Drive Gear – 111-105-223

The 111-105-223 is located deep within the engine case on the crankshaft, positioned between the #4 main bearing and the pulley woodruff key. Because it is responsible for spinning the distributor, any wear on this gear's teeth directly translates to erratic engine timing. This is a "must-replace" item during a high-quality bottom-end rebuild, as the brass teeth can sharpen or pit after decades of service.

Installing a new gear requires the crankshaft to be removed from the case. Professional builders typically heat the gear to expand it, allowing it to slide into position on the crankshaft. Once it cools, it creates a permanent interference fit. Proper orientation is vital; if installed backward or misaligned, the distributor drive pinion will not seat correctly, potentially damaging the engine case.

Detailed Vehicle Compatibility

VW Beetle:

1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978

VW Super Beetle:

1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979

VW Karmann Ghia:

1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974

VW Transporter:

1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979

VW Type 3:

1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973

VW Thing:

1973, 1974

Product Highlights & Features

• Helical-Cut Teeth: Precision-engineered for quiet, low-vibration engagement with the distributor drive pinion.

• Sacrificial Interface: Designed to wear before the steel drive pinion, saving you from more expensive repairs during long-term maintenance.

• Factory-Correct Fit: Specifically sized for the crankshaft journals of all Type 1, 2, and 3 engines from 1200cc up to 1600cc.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: 111-105-223

• Material: High-Grade Brass

• Installation Method: Press-Fit / Heat-Shrink

• Application: Crankshaft Timing Assembly

Installation & Maintenance Tips

• Heat Expansion: Use a hot plate or small oven to heat the gear before installation. This expands the brass, allowing it to slide over the crankshaft journal easily.

• Pinion Inspection: If you find the brass gear is worn, always inspect the Distributor Drive Pinion (the vertical shaft) for damage to its steel teeth.

• Woodruff Key: Double-check that the crankshaft woodruff key is fully seated before sliding the gear into place; the gear must lock onto this key to function correctly.

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