What Does A Distributor Do On A Car? Here’s What You Need To Know

Car enthusiasts and even some average drivers may wonder about the functioning of different parts or components in a vehicle. It is essential to know everything about your car’s engine, especially if you are keen on maintaining it yourself. One crucial part of an automobile engine that performs an integral role in ignition timing and powering various systems is the distributor.

The distributor is responsible for distributing voltage from the ignition coil to each spark plug in a specific order, making sure the engine runs smoothly without any power interruptions. It has a rotor and a cap housing, which are connected to the camshaft placed inside the engine block. Therefore, the rotor turns with the camshaft while the distributor cap remains stationary, providing open contact points for each spark wire connection.

If you’re curious to learn more about the distributor’s functionality in cars, then keep on reading. This article covers what a distributor is and how it works, its location within the car system, why it requires maintenance, and how to diagnose problems related to the distributor.

“A well-maintained distributor ensures efficient fuel consumption and consistent operation of the car engine.”

When dealing with automobiles, every component plays a vital role in ensuring top-notch performance levels. Understanding the importance and basic functioning of the distributor will help you stay prepared when things go south with your engine. So, read further to give yourself an edge in this respect!

Understanding The Basics Of A Distributor

What Is A Distributor?

A distributor is an essential component of a car’s ignition system that distributes high-voltage electric power to the spark plugs from the ignition coil. It works in conjunction with other parts like the rotor, cap, and points or electronic control module (ECM) to ensure that each cylinder is firing at the right time.

The distributor includes a magnetic pickup that triggers electrical impulses when the camshaft’s rotating lobes move beneath it. This movement creates a signal that tells the ECM when to fire the ignition coil. Once triggered, the coil sends a high voltage charge through the distributor cap to the correct spark plug wire.

How Does A Distributor Work?

When you turn your key in the ignition of your car, the battery sends electricity to the primary winding of the ignition coil. As a result, a magnetic field develops around the secondary winding. When you switch off the ignition, this magnetic field collapses onto the ignition coil’s primary winding. This produces a strong current surge. By wiring up the system correctly, you can use this current surge to create sparks across the spark plug gap.

The distributor has a central drive gear on its bottom end that meshes with the engine’s camshaft. In this way, as the camshaft rotates, the cam lobes operate the mechanical advance mechanism inside the distributor. Mechanical advance mechanisms come in different forms such as centrifugal, vacuum-advance, or both types combined.

In general, mechanical advance increases spark lead in proportion to engine speed. It helps compensate for lower pressure combustion conditions caused by slower-burning fuel mixtures usually found at low speed idling and cruising conditions.

Types Of Distributors

Before electronic control modules (ECM) became popular, distributors were the norm in most cars. There were mainly two primary types of distributors:

• Points and condenser-type: Points-type ignition systems use a cam on the distributor shaft to open and close electrical contacts between the rotor and each spark plug wire, creating high voltage pulses that reach the correct cylinder at the right time.
• Electronically controlled ignition distributors are common today mostly governed by the ECM or PCM because they allow for more precise timing control, increased performance, and lower emissions. They do not require periodic maintenance like point-type ignitions, but can be complicated and expensive if repairs are needed.

“Electronic ignition technology has evolved dramatically over recent years; now, it’s highly advanced,” says Jack Roush, chairman of Roush Performance.

When it comes to car engines’ ignition systems, distributors work to deliver electricity from the spinning rotor inside the cap through the spark plugs into the engine cylinders’ corresponding firing order sequence. This system ensures a smooth running car engine with better gas mileage and fewer emissions.

The Role Of The Distributor In The Ignition System

The distributor is a crucial component in the ignition system of cars. Its function is to send high voltage power from the ignition coil to the spark plugs at the correct time, so that they can ignite the air-fuel mixture within the engine’s cylinders. This process enables the engine to run smoothly and efficiently.

Without the distributor, it would not be possible for the engine to start, as the spark plugs would not receive the required amount of electricity to generate sparks. It is therefore important to ensure that the distributor is maintained properly, as any defects or malfunctions could result in poor engine performance or even complete failure.

Distributor Components

The basic components of a distributor include the rotor, cap, points, condenser, vacuum advance and mechanical advance mechanisms. These work together to distribute the electrical energy supplied by the ignition coil to the cylinder’s spark plugs in the correct firing order, timing and sequence.

The rotor is a rotating arm attached to the center shaft of the distributor, which determines the order in which the spark plugs fire. The cap covers the rotor and distributes the high voltage current to each individual plug wire that is connected to the spark plugs. Points are situated inside the distributor and open and close to regulate the flow of current through the primary circuit of the ignition coil. Condensers help to reduce wear on the points and extend their longevity. Vacuum advance and mechanical advance mechanisms work together to change the timing of the spark relative to the position of the crankshaft, depending on different driving conditions such as idle speed, acceleration, heavy loads or cruising speeds.

Distributor Timing

The proper timing of the distributor is critical for the efficient operation of an engine. Correct timing ensures that the fuel-air mixture burns completely, generating maximum power and minimum emissions. On the other hand, incorrect timing results in a loss of power, increased fuel consumption and higher pollution levels.

The timing of the distributor is determined by rotating it within the engine block to adjust when the spark plug fires. The timing should be set according to the manufacturer’s specification for each particular make and model using a timing light while observing the exact position of the number one piston at top dead center on the compression stroke.

“The ignition system in your car isn’t that complicated. It’s always managed to provide reliable engine starts for decades of cars all over the world with only some basic maintenance needed.” -Matthew Wright

Regular inspection and maintenance of the distributor can help to ensure proper timing and can prolong its life span. Keeping the contacts clean, regulating the points gap, replacing worn out parts such as the rotor, cap and wires and maintaining the advance mechanisms are all important steps in a healthy ignition system. Overall, it cannot be understated how integral the role of the distributor is to an efficient running vehicle since defective distributors may result in reduced performance or complete engine failure.

Signs Of A Failing Distributor

If you are experiencing problems with your car’s engine, one possible cause is a failing distributor. The distributor is an essential component of the ignition system in many cars, responsible for distributing high voltage energy to each spark plug at the right time, allowing the engine to run smoothly.

Engine Misfires

If your distributor is starting to fail, the first sign you may notice is engine misfires. These occur when there is a problem igniting fuel and air mixture in one or more cylinders. Misfires often feel like jerking or shaking in the vehicle, particularly noticeable during acceleration. This can damage the catalytic converter which absorbs harmful emission caused by such incidents.

“If your distributor cap has any signs of wear on it, replace it.” -Dave Navarro

You should take your vehicle to a mechanic if you experience consistent misfires. They will be able to diagnose the issue via computerized diagnostics, inspecting the spark plugs among other things, confirming that it’s your distributor causing the issues.

Unusual Engine Noises

Apart from noticeable engine shake, another clear sign of a failing distributor is noise coming from under the hood. When your distributor starts losing its effectiveness, it can lead to erratic firing order, hence creating unusual noises within the engine, such as popping sounds. These abnormal sounds can indicate build-up inside the components requiring maintenance or replacing completely.

“No One can predict sudden engine failures due to faulty distributors, so routine checks will go a long way.” -Gina Campolucci Bordi

In addition to the possibility of needing repairs or replacement, loss of proper operation of the distributor also causes additional physical strain on other parts of the engine such as the timing belt, which can lead to costly repairs.

Difficulty Starting The Engine

If you find that your car is having a harder time starting than usual, this may also be due to a failing distributor. The primary role of the distributor being to properly distribute voltage to each spark plug in the engine cylinders, failure of one or more plugs can cause periods where there is no ignition, or intermittent misfiring leading to issues when trying to start from a stalled position.

“When you are experiencing trouble starting your vehicle, take it as an early warning sign of an impending engine problem.” -Jess Bailey

If you’re lucky, cleaning replacing wires and other basic maintenance tasks such as checking fuel injector system will resolve the issue, but if nothing helps, taking your car for professional diagnosis would ensure underlying problems causing hard starts can be identified.

The distributor’s main job might seem simple on the surface, however, keeping up with regular maintenance checks will keep the component running smoothly thus saving drivers thousands of dollars in repair bills down the road. If you suspect that your distributor is going bad, it’s important to address the problem before it leads to substantial engine failures and widespread damage.

How To Replace A Distributor

If you are experiencing problems starting your car or notice that it runs poorly, a faulty distributor might be the culprits. But, what does a distributor do on a car? It is an essential component of the ignition system that directs high voltage to the spark plug wires, causing the engine to start.

If you need to replace a faulty distributor, follow these simple steps:

Tools Needed

• Ratchet Set
• New Distributor
• Screwdriver Set
• Pliers
• Tape Measure
• Clean Cloth

Step-By-Step Instructions

The first step in replacing the distributor is disconnecting the battery. This process will ensure safety and prevent electrical shocks when working around the engine area.

“Safety isn’t expensive, it’s priceless.” -Unknown

Step 2: Locate The Old Distributor

Find the old distributor by using a tape measure and measuring from the firewall forward; you should reach four inches away from where the cylinder head sits. When locating the distributor, take note of the position of the rotor because this will help verify the proper alignment when installing the new one.

Step 3: Remove The Old Distributor Cap

Use a socket wrench to remove all bolts holding the distributor cap in place. Once loosened, lift off the distributor cap carefully. Doing so may require gently prying it off with a screwdriver since the distributor cap tends to stick to the central shaft even when unbolted.

Step 4: Disconnect Old Distributor

The distributor consists of two parts, namely; the ignition module and the connector on its side. Unplug these connectors by gently lifting them away. Use pliers to loosen bolts securing the base plate to the engine block and then slide the old distributor out of its position carefully.

Step 5: Install The New Distributor

Installing a new distributor requires that it be inserted into its correct place and aligned with the reference mark made earlier during positioning of the old one. Gently push down the new distributor while rotating the rotor so that it aligns itself in the same direction as determined earlier. Tighten the bolts but avoid overtightening which may damage components of the distributor.

Step 6: Attach Connectors And Wires

The ignition module should be attached by inserting the plugs back into their sockets until they click securely in place. Reconnect wires previously disconnected from the old distributor cap onto the corresponding terminals of the new one. Lock down the cap to seal it tightly against moisture or dust which can cause malfunctions.

Step 7: Test The Engine

After installing and connecting everything, start the car’s engine to confirm that it runs smoothly. A faulty installation will manifest in erratic firing, rough idling, misfiring among other symptoms. If the car starts and performs well after a new distributor is installed, you have successfully completed the replacement exercise.

“A good mechanic can repair anything. A bad mechanic will do their best to replace everything.” -Unknown

Replacing a car’s distributor does not require a special skill set since anyone handy can use this step-by-step guide to achieve great results. Before embarking on the replacement exercise, ensure that you have all the necessary tools and parts ready because half-done projects can stall a car which will require more money for repairs.

Upgrading Your Distributor For Better Performance

If you’re looking to improve the performance of your car, upgrading your distributor is a great place to start. The distributor plays an important role in the ignition system and can significantly impact how well your engine runs. But what does a distributor actually do on a car? Essentially, it’s responsible for controlling the timing of the spark plugs which ignites the fuel in the combustion chamber. This makes it possible for your engine to create power and run smoothly.

Benefits Of Upgrading Your Distributor

So why should you consider upgrading your distributor? There are several benefits:

• Improved Ignition Timing: An upgraded distributor allows you to fine-tune your ignition timing and get better performance out of your engine.
• Better Fuel Efficiency: A more efficient ignition system means your engine will burn fuel more effectively, resulting in improved fuel efficiency.
• Increased Power: Upgraded distributors provide stronger sparks, allowing your engine to generate more power.
• Improved Reliability: Newer distributors tend to be more reliable than older models and can reduce the chances of breakdowns or malfunctions.
• Easier Maintenance: Many newer distributors require less maintenance than older ones, making them easier to care for and keep running properly.

Upgrading your distributor can have a big impact on the performance and reliability of your car. Whether you’re looking for more power or better fuel economy, a new distributor could be just what you need.

Types Of Performance Distributors

There are several types of performance distributors available, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the most popular:

• Cap and Rotor Upgrade: This is a simple upgrade that replaces the stock cap and rotor with higher-quality aftermarket components. It can improve spark energy and reduce electrical noise.
• High Energy Ignition (HEI) Distributors: These distributors feature an electronic ignition module and high-output coil for improved performance and reliability. They’re easy to install and require minimal maintenance.
• Magnetic Trigger Distributors: Unlike traditional distributor points, these use magnetic pickups to trigger the ignition system. They provide more accurate timing and better durability.
• Optical Trigger Distributors: Similar to magnetic trigger distributors, these use optical sensors instead of physical contact points. They offer even greater accuracy and precision in ignition timing.

Which type of distributor is right for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. However, upgrading to any of these options should provide noticeable improvements in the performance and reliability of your car.

“Upgrading your distributor can be one of the most cost-effective performance enhancements you can make to your vehicle.” -Hot Rod Network

“A new distributor could be just what the doctor ordered to cure a misfiring engine or sharpen up throttle response.” -Super Chevy Mag

If you’re interested in upgrading your distributor but aren’t sure where to start, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional mechanic. They can help you determine which type of distributor will give you the best results and make sure it’s installed properly.

Upgrading your distributor is a great way to improve the performance and reliability of your car. With so many types of performance distributors available today, there’s sure to be an option that fits your needs and budget.

Maintenance Tips To Keep Your Distributor Running Smoothly

What Does A Distributor Do On A Car?

A distributor is an essential component of a car’s ignition system that distributes electrical power to the spark plugs in order to ignite fuel. Essentially, it determines which spark plug will fire at what time, thus enabling engine combustion and powering movement.

Cleaning Your Distributor

To keep your distributor running smoothly, it is crucial to perform routine cleaning. Dirt, oil, and grime can cause significant problems with the functioning of the distributor. These contaminants build up over time and create blockages that interfere with conductivity.

The best way to clean your distributor is by using electrical contact cleaner or rubbing alcohol and a clean cloth. Begin by removing the distributor cap (consult your owner’s manual for instructions if you’re not certified). After that, spray the inside of the cap and rotor with the cleaning solution, allowing it to soak in for about 10 minutes before wiping it down with a clean cloth. Then, use the same process on all contacts within the distributor. Finally, replace the cap and ensure it’s sealed tightly.

“A distributor has many parts like gears, bearings, shafts, etc., so one needs to make sure they are kept well-lubricated and maintained periodically” – Tushar Khandelwal, CEO of CarryPick Technologies.

Replacing The Cap And Rotor

If cleaning doesn’t solve the issue, replacing the distributor cap and rotor may be necessary. Even with regular maintenance, these components deteriorate over time due to wear and tear, corrosion, and carbon buildup.

If you suspect that your distributor’s cap and rotor need to be replaced, consult your owner’s manual for guidance. Typically, removing the cap and rotor is relatively straightforward, but some models require specific tools. Also, don’t forget to disconnect the battery before starting work.

When selecting a new distributor cap and rotor kit, choose one that matches your car’s make and model. Look for high-quality components made by reputable manufacturers like Bosch or Delco Remy to ensure maximum durability and performance.

“Replacing your distributor cap, rotor and even spark plugs periodically can help improve your engine’s performance” – Lynn Beckwith Jr. CEO of Texas Disposal Systems.

Regular maintenance helps keep your distributor in top condition, prolonging its life and keeping vital components firing correctly. Cleaning it regularly with electrical contact cleaner or rubbing alcohol eliminates dirt and grime build-up, whereas replacing worn-out parts restores proper functioning.

Frequently Asked Questions