Table of content
Car Distributor: what it is, when to replace it, and common problems
The ignition distributor distributes the ignition sparks to the correct car spark plug. Furthermore, it must also trigger the ignition spark at exactly the right time with the respective adjustment to the engine speed. The high voltage generated by the ignition coil reaches the distributor via the central connection of the ignition distributor cover. The rotating distributor rotor receives the high voltage via the central contact. The high voltage is passed on via the outer rotor contact to the corresponding cap distributor output so that the spark can be passed on to the plugs via the ignition cables.
What is a distributor cap?
The ignition distributor cap has been an integral part of the design since the beginning of serial automobile construction. Its task is to protect the sensitive mechanism of the ignition contact and to pass on the ignition voltage to the ignition cables. The way it is constructed has proven its worth for decades.
Where is the distributor cap located and what does it do?
The distributor cap is quite easy to find. Just follow the ignition cables from the engine. These converge at one point. This is the distributor cap. The three, four, five, six or eight wires from the spark plugs or the ignition. The two cylinders of the engine are arranged in a ring in the distributor cap. In the centre there is an additional cable that comes from the ignition coil. From there, the current comes with a high-transformed voltage and runs through a carbon contact through the distributor contact finger into the breaker contact, which is located underneath. There, the voltage is returned to the distributor finger at exactly the right time by means of a transmission spark. From there, the spark jumps to the contacts under the distributor cap in the ignition cables and the voltage is passed on to the spark plug. The distributor finger rotates in sync with the firing sequence of the cylinder and the engine starts running.
BOSCH Ballast Resistor, ignition system
Article number: 3 134 503 089
£ 85,19
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: 056181128010
£ 4,45
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-46%
Article number: 1191100300
RRP
£ 90,30
£ 47,91
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
VIKA Ignition distributor
Article number: 99050065701
£ 34,54
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BOSCH Condenser, ignition
Article number: 1 237 330 295
£ 6,38
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
A distributor cap is made of well-insulated plastic and you can buy car distributor parts. It is placed in the immediate vicinity of the engine. The high temperatures, constant vibrations, and attacks by oil or petrol vapours wear down the substance of the distributor cap in the long term. The plastic can become brittle and fragile over time, allowing moisture to penetrate the ignition system. Before that happens, however, the distributor cap is probably ready for replacement at another point: The weak point of this component is the ignition contacts on its underside. Every time a spark is transmitted, a bit of material is melted out of the surface. Over time, a thicker and thicker oxide layer cakes on, which conducts the ignition voltage less and less effectively. As a temporary solution, you can scrape the contacts free again with a screwdriver. However, the spark gap becomes longer and the eroding effect increases. If a defect is found on a distributor cap, the best remedy is to simply replace the cap.
Easy repair
An ignition distributor cap is one of the easiest spare parts to change on a vehicle. It is attached to the ignition distributor with two clips or with a simple screw connection. This fastening is loosened in a few easy steps and the ignition cables are simply pulled off – and the distributor cap is in your hand. However, one tip should be taken to heart: After removing an ignition cable, it is immediately plugged into the same place on the new ignition cap. This guarantees that the ignition sequence is maintained.
Low-priced spare part
There is no reason to drive around with a poorly repaired distributor cap. The ignition system will be thankful to get a new distributor cap or even a Bosch distributor both of which will increase the reliability of your car and provide you with peace of mind.
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