In vehicle terms, the distributor is an important part of the vehicle's ignition system. Many older vehicles use mechanical distributors, and in modern vehicles, computer-controlled electronic distributors are more widely used. Modern distributors are a bit complicated, but some models of mechanical distributors can be replaced (and often can improve engine performance). See step 1 below.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Releasing an Old Distributor
Step 1. Locate distributors
Park your car in a safe and closed place, such as a garage or on a level place, then open the hood. Look for the distributor - often these are cylindrical in shape with large wires coming out of the top. In general, the distributor is located above the V6 and V8 engines, and on the sides of the inline 4 and 6 cylinder engines.
The distributor has a plastic cap with spark plug wires running from it. There will be one cable for each cylinder on the engine. Also there is one wire connected to the ignition coil
Step 2. Find the ignition timing specification for your car
Replacing the distributor will require you to use a timing lamp to time your engine ignition after the distributor has been replaced. To do this, you must use the ignition specifications that are unique to your car. Often these instructions are found on a sticker located under the hood, or on the engine compartment. You can also find them in your car manual or online.
If you can't find the ignition specifications for your car, "Don't try to install a new distributor." In this case, it is safer if you take your car to a repair shop
Step 3. Disconnect the distributor cap
As described above, distributors generally have a plastic cap with wires. To start removing the distributor, first remove this cap. To open it, you may not need to use any tools, because most distributor caps are equipped with clamps that can be opened by hand, but some require a screwdriver or wrench to open it.
Step 4. Unscrew all the cables attached to the distributor
Before starting to remove it, mark it first to make it easier for you to reassemble and keep it in the correct position on the new distributor. Cable tape can be used for this. Use tape to mark each wire, and if you want, you can write something on it with a marker.
When working with electrical systems, you must use common sense. "Never" interfere with the car's electrical wiring while the engine is running, or an electric current is flowing into the engine compartment
Step 5. Mark the mounting points on the machine
To make it easier to install the new distributor, mark on the outside of the distributor housing, where the distributor will fit into the machine. Also look for a reference point on the machine that you can tana. This will make it easier for you to install a new distributor.
Step 6. Mark the position of the rotor
This stage is very important - if the rotor position on the new distributor is not the same as the rotor position on the old distributor, the car engine will not start later. Mark carefully, on the inside of the distributor to mark the rotor position. Mark accurately - the new rotor position must match the original position.
Step 7. Remove the old distributor
Remove the bolt holding the distributor housing on the engine. Carefully pull the distributor off the machine. Note that it is easy to accidentally rotate the rotor position when you remove the distributor. If this happens, use the "original marked rotor position" as a reference, not the rotor position after removal.
Part 2 of 2: Installing a New Distributor
Step 1. Make a mark on the new distributor
If you haven't already, make the mark exactly the same as the mark you made on the old distributor. Make sure the signs are the same. In other words, mark the position of the rotor on the old distributor when it was in the new distributor housing, and mark the location on the outside that is parallel to the mount on the engine.
Step 2. Ensure that the rotor is marked before installation
As noted above, the rotor position on the new distributor must be exactly the same as the old distributor rotor position, or the engine will not start. Make sure the rotor is aligned with the markings you have given. When installing a new distributor, do not let the rotor rotate.
Step 3. Install the new distributor on the machine
Tighten the distributor back to its original position, according to the markings. Replace the bolts, if any, to tighten the distributor position.
Don't tighten it all the way - you may still need to adjust the position a bit, by hand
Step 4. Reattach the cables and cover the distributor
Install each cable in its original position as in the old distributor.
Step 5. Start the machine
Double check all connections, and try starting the machine. If the engine won't start but sounds "almost on," try positioning the rotor the other way (no wider than the mark you made) and try again. If the engine sounds "further" than starting, try repositioning the distributor in the opposite direction. If it sounds "closer" to light, continue positioning and try turning it on again.
After you have successfully started the engine, allow the engine to warm up a bit until it stabilizes
Step 6. Set the ignition timing
Stop the engine and put the ignition light on the number 1 spark plug. Restart the engine. Adjust the ignition timing by turning the distributor housing a little at a time. "make sure you follow the specific instructions on your car" - as mentioned above. These instructions may be different for different cars. Don't guess!
When you are done setting the ignition timing correctly, tighten all the bolts that you did not tighten earlier
Step 7. Take your car around
You have finished installing the new distributor. Now, try to drive the car in different speed and acceleration. You can feel the difference in your car's engine power.
If your car's performance becomes worse, take it to a repair shop. Don't risk damage by running the car for too long with distributor problems
Tips
- Lubricate the o-ring before inserting the distributor on the machine to prevent damaged pins.
- After you remove the distributor, you need to check all components such as spark plugs, wires etc in the ignition system for damage or corrosion. Replace if necessary.
- If you have a damaged distributor or coil, it is highly recommended to replace it immediately, not repair it. Installing a new distributor or coil in a car with old spark plugs or damaged spark plug wires is stupid and will result in you having to replace them all over again. See the entire ignition system.
- The distributor is the heart of the ignition system. PCM, ECM or vehicle computer is the brain that controls the distributor. Distributors were no longer used in modern cars, and direct ignition came into use. Direct ignition basically provides electricity directly to the spark plug without going through a distributor. Many distributors have mechanical components that are susceptible to hood situations, especially heat, and high voltage from the coil. The latest cars can have electricity from 20,000-50,000 volts. This voltage goes from the coil to the distributor and then to the spark plug, until it can ignite in the cylinder. A faulty spark plug will return this voltage back to the distributor and coil, causing damage to them. Performing major servicing every few years will keep your distributors capable. There are other factors that cause distributor damage:
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- Worn timing belt.
- Leaking o-ring at the base of the distributor
- Big resistance in spark plug wire
- Damaged distributor cap, rotor or other ignition component.
