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Distributor Information

Distributor
The ignition distributor distributes high voltage from the coil and sends it to the correct cylinder of the engine at the precise moment of combustion. On new vehicles this is handled by a computer that picks up the crankshaft rotation by a magnetic trigger. The magnetic pulse sends a signal to the computer that then tells the coil to produce a 10-40Kv electrical charge. This charge or voltage is sent thru the distributor cap and rotor then on to the spark plugs.

On older type of ignition systems the distributor has a set of points that is open ands closed by a cam on the distributor shaft. The points opening and closing produces the needed signal to the coil to then produce the electrical voltage needed to fire the spark plugs. The points and condenser type ignitions do need some regular maintenance as the points get pitted and need replaced about once a year.

A distributor that has a hall generator or the electronic pickup inside the distributor can malfunction. If this happens on some distributors you can replace the electronics, and on some the entire distributor needs to be replaced. On older vehicles using a point’s style ignition, the bushings can wear causing uneven point duration and a rough running condition. To check this type of distributor, remove the cap and rotor, then try to move the shaft back and forth. if there is any visible movement, the distributor needs to be replaced.