Distributor cap

A distributor is an electric and mechanical device used in the ignition system of older spark ignition engines, distributor cap. The distributor's main function is to route electricity from the distributor cap coil to each spark plug at the correct time, distributor cap. A distributor consists of a rotating arm 'rotor' that is attached to the top of a rotating 'distributor shaft'. The rotor constantly receives high-voltage electricity from an ignition coil via brushes at the centre of the rotor.

A distributor cap is a removable component that is used in spark ignition systems to cover both the distributor and the rotor. In addition to covering these components, and protecting them from contamination, distributor caps are also responsible for helping to distribute electrical current from an ignition coil to a set of spark plugs. Since distributor caps are wear items, they have to be replaced periodically as they wear out. A distributor cap contains internal contacts and corresponding external posts. Although distributor cap designs can vary from one application to another, they all share a few basic components:. The main body of a distributor cap is typically made from molded plastic that has a number of metal components built into it. A typical cap has one metal contact and post per cylinder and one central contact and post for the coil.

Distributor cap

Distributor caps and rotors are responsible for passing the voltage from the ignition coils to the engine's cylinders in order to ignite the fuel-air mixture inside and power the engine. The coil connects directly to the rotor, and the rotor spins inside the distributor cap. When the rotor's tip passes a contact on the cylinder, a high-voltage pulse travels from the coil to the cylinder via the rotor. That pulse jumps the little gap between contact and rotor and moves on to the spark plug wire, eventually igniting the spark plug on the cylinder. Because of all the high-voltage activity, the rotor and cap have to be replaced relatively frequently. They wear out easily. The distributor cap and rotor are part of the ignition system, which has to work in concert with the rest of the engine in order to ignite the fuel at the proper time. The idea is to maximize the output of the expanding gases in the engine by lighting them so that they produce heat and the fuel turns to exhaust. The exhaust increases the pressure in the cylinder and pushes the piston down. The idea is to create as much pressure as possible inside the cylinder, thereby maximizing torque and power. Plus, the more efficient the cylinders are, the better the car's mileage will be.

This can be accomplished in a variety distributor cap different ways, but conventional mechanical and electronic ignition systems do it with a distributor, distributor cap, and a rotor.

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. View as:. Green Spark Plug Co. Ltd has now added a dedicated sales and distribution team to handle customers questions and pre-sales enquires, we are experts in our field so if you have a query let us know! Fast Delivery - Products in stock for same day dispatch.

Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges. To report an issue with this product or seller, click here. ACDelco is the premier supplier of GM Original Equipment OE automotive replacement parts, as well as a trusted provider of premium aftermarket parts for most other makes and models. ACDelco provides high-quality parts for all major vehicle systems, as well as off-road, marine and industrial equipment. Found a lower price?

Distributor cap

Being just a small component as it is, a bad distributor cap can wreak havoc on the ignition and thus affect your engine efficiency. However, the truth is quite the opposite. Distributor cap problems, including clogged, cracked, corroded, or faulty caps, can cause performance issues ranging from rough idling to stalling, or worse, your car might just refuse to start at all. Read on to learn the important role of a distributor cap, the symptoms of a bad distributor cap, how to troubleshoot and fix each case, and the cost of replacing a new one. Today, with the advancement of technology, fully computerized electronic ignition systems have become the norm. In all cars, SUVs, and trucks in this era, the distributor is a vital part of the engine management system. The distributor consists of a rotor rotating inside a distributor cap. As you turn the ignition key , the engine runs, sending a high voltage through the ignition coils to the distributor rotor, specifically sending the electricity into an electrode of the distributor rotor. The rotor is connected to the ignition coil thanks to a spring-loaded brush in the distributor cap.

Contrived meaning in tamil

The Green Spark Plug Company is a family run business with over 40 years of experience. Account Log In Contact Us. Another variation is found in vehicles that have two spark plugs per cylinder. This is typically accomplished via some type of keyway or other eccentric base design, as a properly oriented distributor cap is essential for the correct operation of an internal combustion engine. A typical cap has one metal contact and post per cylinder and one central contact and post for the coil. Rather than having a central contact and post for the coil, some caps have two internal contacts. The two main factors that can lead to distributor cap failure are contamination and simple wear. Transmission What is a Transmission Control Unit? In order for an internal combustion engine to run properly, the spark plugs have to be activated in the correct firing order. Fast Delivery - Products in stock for same day dispatch. Distributors and caps are engineered precisely so that your engine runs smoothly. What is a Fuel Gauge? Mobile Newsletter banner close. P through S.

Home » Engine. The distributor cap is part of the ignition system on older vehicles.

Toggle limited content width. He has worked as a freelance writer since closing his shop in , and he currently covers automotive technology for Lifewire. If this occurs, you may experience frequent misfires. The pivot is on the right and the cam follower is in the middle of the breaker arm. Fast Delivery - Products in stock for same day dispatch. When a distributor cap is installed, it has to be lined up correctly on the distributor. The rotor constantly receives high-voltage electricity from an ignition coil via brushes at the centre of the rotor. Engine control unit ECU. Show all vehicles. More Articles. Download as PDF Printable version. NGK Part Finder. Search: Search. On most overhead valve engines , the distributor shaft is driven by a gear on the camshaft , often shared with the oil pump ; on most overhead camshaft engines , the distributor shaft is attached directly to a camshaft. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section.