4
votes
Accepted
How does a distributor condenser prevent contact burning?
Since the condenser (capacitor) is connected in parallel to the point's contacts, when the points open the condenser then allows a small amount of current to briefly continue flowing through the ...
- 25.5k
2
votes
I have a distributor that wont come out of my 87 Ford Ranger xlt 2.9 engine. Bolt is out .
No, it does not need to be at the no 1 position, but that is an easy way to make sure it goes back correctly.
The distributor can be corroded so it won’t move - some freeing juice and working it back ...
- 34.7k
2
votes
Accepted
Refurbishing an old Distributor Cap
"So if the cap is basically OK, but the contact points are just worn down and need to be replaced, is that possible?"
Short answer: Maybe.
Many plastic caps are molded around the contact pins. This ...
- 9,005
2
votes
A true Electronic Distributor
It is definitely Electronic, here is the diagram for the 4 cylinder, v6 is similar.
Points started phasing out in the mid 1970's.
- 7,990
2
votes
Setting distributor correctly
Best option is to remove spark plug from #1 cylinder and turn over the engine while your finger is in the spark plug hole, when you feel the compression pushing your finger out that is the compression ...
- 7,990
1
vote
Cranking engine with coil wire removed - damage?
I would disconnect the supply to the coil, but it does depend on which coil / ignition system is fitted.
If it is the older type non electronic then it will be fine.
However any of the electronic ...
- 34.7k
1
vote
Why does the California smog check involve an inspection of the ignition timing?
The timing affects the point of ignition of the fuel charge during the compression phase as it is usually before TDC.
This point is advanced as the engine speed increases as the fuel charge takes a ...
- 34.7k
1
vote
Accepted
Question about Ignition Systems ; The Amount of Contact Breaker Points inside the distributor
The duplication, or more, of points in distributors was to avoid contact bounce.
The coil really needs a single change of state “closed to open” to generate the spark and as rpm rises the number of ...
- 34.7k
1
vote
Accepted
What are the pros and cons of using distributor per bank vs single bigger distributor on a dohc v8 for example?
Well the play in both causes the timing to drift between the two banks when there are two distributors.
A single distributor with either one or two sets of points is easier to time - especially if you ...
- 34.7k
1
vote
VW 1978 beetle not starting - possible distributor issue
Normal practice is to replace points, "condenser", rotor and wire , cap is secondary. I used to replace these parts about every 25,000 miles when I had them. That is, you have not replaced 3 ...
- 3,688
1
vote
Accepted
Setting distributor correctly
If the crank and cam are both aligned , it is TDC firing. While the crank rotates twice and can be either TDC firing or exhaust , the cam only rotates once and is at TDC firing every time its mark is ...
- 3,688
1
vote
What is the expected voltage of a coil to a distributor supposed to be?
The “standard” or at least early versions of ballasted coil ignition systems had a resistor that dropped the voltage supplied to the coil to 6v or 9v so a 6 or 9v coil was used.
On starting, that ...
- 34.7k
1
vote
Refurbishing an old Distributor Cap
So, what I have done in the past is to support the cap then drill out or to a depth the old pin. Tap it to match the new pins you have made and fit them - usually with a strong loctite or equivalent.
- 34.7k
1
vote
Diagnosing the oil leak in ignition distributor
As mentioned there may likely be a shaft seal issue, however I would also check engine breathers etc as the internal pressure may be too high forcing oil to weap through the weakest seal.
- 5,067
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