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 ...
HandyHowie's user avatar
  • 25.1k
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 ...
Solar Mike's user avatar
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2 votes
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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 ...
CharlieRB's user avatar
  • 9,015
2 votes

What's better about an expensive distributor?

There is a huge collector interest in 1960s American stuff. Hence there are lots of aftermarket parts available of variable quality. Most people don't drive their classic everyday for reasons like ...
Autistic's user avatar
  • 2,083
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.
Moab's user avatar
  • 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 ...
Moab's user avatar
  • 7,990
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 ...
Solar Mike's user avatar
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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 ...
Solar Mike's user avatar
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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 ...
Solar Mike's user avatar
  • 34.6k
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 ...
blacksmith37's user avatar
  • 3,678
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 ...
Solar Mike's user avatar
  • 34.6k
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 ...
blacksmith37's user avatar
  • 3,678
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 ...
Solar Mike's user avatar
  • 34.6k
1 vote

VW Beetle Distributor Identification/Timing Specs

My father has a '73 thing and has gone back and forth between electronic and points. It APPEARS to be electronic. It looks like there is a black box on the back of the dist with a black and red wire ...
rpmerf's user avatar
  • 8,403
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.
Solar Mike's user avatar
  • 34.6k
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.
Orb's user avatar
  • 5,067
1 vote

Rover Mini Mayfair Auto 1990/H

Yes you can turn the crankshaft via its pulley. But this is probably easier. If you want to turn the crankshaft by hand you can use a socket with a long handle / breaker bar on it to "Tighten" the ...
zipzit's user avatar
  • 6,539

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