In automotive terminology, the distributor is an important part of a car's ignition system. Most of the older models are equipped with a mechanical distributor, while the newer car models always have electronic or computerized distributors, or have an ignition system without a distributor. Modern devices are not easily repairable, but older ones can be replaced (and often improve engine performance). Read the steps below to get started!
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Remove the Old Distributor
Step 1. Find the distributor
Park your vehicle in a safe place (such as a garage or flat road) and open the hood to access the ignition. Look for the distributor - it is often a cylindrical device from which thick wires come out and end up in the engine. Many distributors are located above the normal V6 and V8 engines and to one side of the internal V4 and V6 engines.
The distributor has a plastic plug from which the threads of a spark plug come out. There will be a thread for each cylinder of the engine. There will then be an additional wire connected to the ignition coil
Step 2. Look for specific adjustments for your vehicle
Replacing a distributor involves using a warning light to adjust the timing of engine ignition once the device has been replaced. To do this, you will need the exact timing tuning specifications of your engine. Often, this data can be found on a sticker inside the hood. You should also be able to find them in the vehicle manual or online.
If you cannot find the ignition timing adjustment specifications, do not try to install a new distributor. It is safer, however, to take the vehicle to a qualified mechanic
Step 3. Remove the distributor cap
As explained above, many distributors have a plastic plug from which the ignition wires emerge. To begin removing the distributor, remove the cap. This operation may require the use of basic tools. Some caps have clamps that can be loosened by hand, in other cases you may need a screwdriver or even a socket wrench to loosen any screws or bolts that hold the cap in place.
Step 4. Remove all wires tied to the distributor
Before disconnecting each wire, you need to mark them so that you are able to reconnect them to the new distributor in the same way. Insulating tapes are useful for this task. Use tape to label each thread, and if you prefer, make a note on the label with a marker.
In any job that has to do with electrical systems, a healthy dose of common sense must be used. Never touch electrical wires while the vehicle is running or electrical current is flowing through the engine
Step 5. Mark the motor support points
To make installing the new distributor a little easier, it is a good idea to mark the point outside the distributor housing where the device is connected to the engine. Choose a spot where you can find a matching place for the new distributor. To do this, simply align the housing of the new distributor with the engine mounting point (which you can also mark).
Step 6. Mark the position of the rotor
This step is crucial. If the position of the rotor in the new distributor does not match that of the old rotor, the motor will not start once the new device is installed. With great care, make a mark in the distributor housing to indicate the position of the rotor. Be precise, the rotor of the new distributor must be perfectly in place.
Step 7. Remove the old distributor
Remove the bolts securing the old distributor to the engine. Carefully, gently pull the distributor out of the engine. Remember that it is easy to accidentally move the rotor when you remove the distributor. If this happens, use the rotor position you marked at the beginning as a reference point, not the rotor position after removing the device.
Part 2 of 2: Install the New Distributor
Step 1. Recreate the marks made on the new distributor
If you haven't already, remove the new device from the box. Make the same dotted marks on the new distributor as on the old one. In other words, it marks the position of the rotor of the old distributor in the housing of the new one and marks the point on the outside of the distributor aligned with the engine support point.
Step 2. Make sure the rotor is in the marked position before installing it
As explained above, the position of the rotor in the new distributor must match perfectly with that of the old one, otherwise the vehicle will fail to ignite. Make sure the rotor lines up with the marks you made. While installing the distributor, be careful not to accidentally move or hit the rotor.
Step 3. Install the new distributor on the engine
Secure the new distributor in the same spot as the old one, aligning the points marked on the housing with those supporting the engine. Re-tighten the screws and bolts as they will hold the distributor securely in place.
Don't over tighten them, you'll need to be able to move the distributor slightly with your hands
Step 4. Reconnect the distributor wires and replace the cap
Connect each wire to the distributor according to the marks made. Make sure you tighten each strand in the right position. Each must be connected to the point that corresponds to the original location on the old rotor.
Step 5. Turn on the vehicle
Double check each connection and try to turn on the vehicle. If the car does not start, but it almost looks like it is about to, try adjusting the rotor position slightly (move it a few millimeters, no more than the width of the mark you made) and try again. If the engine doesn't start at all, adjust the rotor in the other direction. If it seems ever closer to ignition, keep adjusting it in the same direction.
When you are about to start the vehicle, let it "warm up" until it idles smoothly
Step 6. Adjust the ignition timing
Turn off the engine and put the light on the number 1 spark plug. Restart the engine. Adjust the time by turning the distributor housing very little. Be sure to follow the specific instructions for your vehicle that you consulted before replacing the distributor. As explained above, these instructions vary from vehicle to vehicle. Don't leave anything to chance!
Once you have adjusted the times, tighten the fasteners left loose previously
Step 7. Take the car for a verification guide
Once the replacement is complete, test the new distributor through a variety of different accelerations. You should notice a difference in the way the vehicle behaves.
If something seems to be wrong with the vehicle's performance, take it to a mechanic. Do not risk lasting damage by driving the vehicle despite having problems with the distributor
Advice
- If the distributor or ignition coil is faulty, it is a good idea to replace all related components. Installing a brand new distributor or spiral on a vehicle with frayed wires and old or worn spark plugs is just ridiculous. You will then have to change all the parts again. Analyze the ignition system as a whole and make sure that the system works completely when the distributor or the spiral is damaged.
- After removing the distributor, inspect all components (spark plugs, wires, etc.) of the ignition system for wear and corrosion. Replace them if necessary.
- Lubricate the ring before inserting the distributor into the engine to prevent deformation.
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The distributor is basically the heart of the ignition system. The PCM, ECM or on-board computer are the brain and control the distributor. The distributor is replaced in most older vehicles by a direct ignition system. This basic system acts directly on the spark plug instead of operating on the distributor to ensure that it distributes the ignition spark. The distributor has many components, including moving mechanical parts and electrical parts that are subjected to the extreme conditions of an engine, such as heat or the very high voltage that the ignition coil produces. Many older vehicles that still use the distributor may have 20,000 to 50,000 volts of electrical voltage. This voltage must be distributed from the spiral, through the distributor, to the spark plugs and the spark, and then to the ignition in the cylinder. Many times worn spark plugs and wires can alter the voltage on the distributor or coil and cause a short or damage. Regular maintenance can prevent any problems. There are many factors that can cause distributor failure, including:
- Wear or excessive play in the distribution chain.
- Leaking ring at the base of the distributor.
- High resistance inside the spark plugs or their cables.
- Wear of the cap, rotor or other ignition components.
