Bosch 03010 Distributor Cap (03-010) - VW Beetle, Bus, Ghia, & Type 3

Bosch Distributor Cap – 03010 (03-010)

The Bosch 03010 (also referred to as 03-010) is a high-quality ignition distributor cap designed for air-cooled and early water-cooled Volkswagen engines. As a critical component of the ignition system, it is responsible for distributing high-voltage electricity from the ignition coil to the spark plug wires in the correct firing order. This specific model features copper terminals and a durable bakelite housing to resist the extreme heat and vibration typical of rear-mounted engine bays.

Worn terminals or carbon tracking inside a cap can lead to misfires, poor fuel economy, and difficult starting in cold or damp weather. The 03010 is the standard replacement for most vacuum-advance and centrifugal-advance distributors from the late 1960s through the late 1970s. It is also the correct cap for the popular Bosch 009 aftermarket performance distributor used in many custom VW builds.

Detailed Vehicle Compatibility

VW Beetle (Standard):

• 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977

VW Super Beetle:

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

VW Karmann Ghia:

• 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974

VW Bus / Transporter:

• 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979

VW Type 3:

• 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973

VW Vanagon:

• 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984

VW Thing:

• 1973, 1974

Porsche 914:

• 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976

Product Highlights & Features

• Copper Terminals: Provides maximum conductivity and resistance to corrosion for a more consistent and powerful spark.

• Bakelite Housing: Engineered with superior dielectric strength to prevent "flashover" or arcing between the terminals.

• 009 Compatible: Specifically sized to fit the Bosch 009, 034, and SVDA (Single Vacuum Dual Advance) distributors.

• High Heat Resistance: Designed to maintain its structural integrity in the high-temperature environment of an air-cooled engine compartment.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: 03010 / 03-010

• VW Interchange: 113-905-207-C

• Housing Material: Red Bakelite

• Terminal Type: Female (Push-on)

Installation & Maintenance Tips

• The One-at-a-Time Rule: When replacing the cap, move one spark plug wire from the old cap to the new cap one by one. This prevents mixing up the firing order.

• Cylinder #1 Identification: Many Bosch 03010 caps feature a notch or a small dot on the rim to indicate the location of the #1 cylinder terminal.

• Check the Rotor: It is highly recommended to replace the ignition rotor at the same time as the cap to ensure both contact surfaces are fresh.

• Terminal Inspection: Occasionally pull the plug wires and check for green corrosion inside the terminals. Use a small dab of dielectric grease to keep moisture out.