What is automotive engine components distributor and Why Do We Use Them?

A car distributor is a component of the ignition system that distributes high voltage electrical power to each cylinder’s spark plug at the correct time to power the engine. It’s crucial that your distributor works smoothly, so if you notice any issues, you’ll need to get it checked as soon as possible.

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Keep reading to discover how a car distributor works, how to identify if there’s a problem with it and what to do if an issue arises.

How a car distributor works

The purpose of the car distributor is to send high voltage electricity from the ignition coil to the spark plugs in the right sequence to deliver a spark which ignites the fuel / air mixture to run the engine.

The distributor consists of several parts, including the rotor arm, ignition points or electronic ignition and distributor cap that connect to the spark plug cables. Each component works in unison to keep the car engine running smoothly.

More modern cars now contain an electronic ignition system with computer-controlled sensors that determine when electricity is sent through the spark plugs. However, older vehicles up to the mid-00s usually still have a distributor.

How do I know if there a problem with my car distributor?

As with most vehicle components, car distributors can experience issues over time and can be vulnerable to water damage. Here are a few tell-tale signs if you have a wet or damaged distributor:

Car won’t start

While there are a number of reasons why your car may not start, a possibility is a faulty distributor. If your distributor cap is damaged, it may not be possible for the rotor arm to distribute the high voltage to the spark plugs.

Car engine misfires

With a faulty car distributor, the ignition timing can be impacted which can lead to the engine misfiring. If this occurs, check the distributor for any signs of wear and tear.

Check engine warning light appears

The check engine warning light could appear for several reasons, but the car distributor could be one, so give it a check to determine if this is the case.

Noises coming from engine bay

If the distributor rotor arm and cap are faulty, the engine may have a misfire. The result of this is a spluttering noise from the engine coupled with poor performance.

What to do if there are issues with car distributor

If you think there could be a problem with your distributor, in the first instance, you’ll want to get under the car bonnet to take a look. Check the cap and rotor for any signs of cracks or arcing and if there are any loose parts or if any cables look insecure. If there are problems, you’ll need to either replace the specific parts or even the entire distributor.

When to replace distributor cap

Check your vehicle manual for the recommended time to get it replaced as it can vary between vehicles. Your distributor cap will also need to be replaced earlier than recommended if it becomes damaged, so it’s important to give it a check if you suspect there could be a problem.

If you discover that your distributor cap replacement is overdue, it’s essential to get it replaced as soon as possible as your car may not start if it is worn.

What do I need to replace a car distributor?

If you’re a confident home mechanic, it is possible to replace a car distributor yourself with the right equipment. The process can vary depending on your vehicle, so we recommend referring to your vehicle handbook beforehand, so you know what’s involved. You’ll need the following:

A replacement distributor

You’ll need to buy a replacement distributor that includes the rotor arm and distributor cap. Finding the right distributor for your vehicle is easy with Halfords. Simply enter in your vehicle registration number to bring up all the relevant car parts for your vehicle.

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Hand tools

In terms of hand tools, you’ll need a socket set, screwdriver set and rachet spanner.

Timing specifications

The timing specifications for your car engine can usually be found in the vehicle manual. Knowing this information is essential, so do not continue with the task if you’re unsure.

A marker pen

A marker pen is handy to mark the correct position of the rotor and note the order of the spark plug cables.

If you don’t feel confident in replacing your distributor, then you can always leave it to the professionals. Find your local Halfords Autocentre, book an appointment online and our experts will happily take a look.

Find s of car parts you need on Halfords.com with free next working day delivery.

Shop car distributors

Device in the ignition system of an internal combustion engine This article is about the engine component. For other uses, see Distributor (disambiguation).

A distributor is an electric and mechanical device used in the ignition system of older spark ignition engines. The distributor's main function is to route electricity from the ignition coil to each spark plug at the correct time.

Design

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A distributor consists of a rotating arm ('rotor') that is attached to the top of a rotating 'distributor shaft'. The rotor constantly receives high-voltage electricity from an ignition coil via brushes at the centre of the rotor. As the rotor spins, its tip passes close to (but does not touch) the output contacts for each cylinder. As the electrified tip passes each output contact, the high-voltage electricity is able to 'jump' across the small gap.[1] This burst of electricity then travels to the spark plug (via high tension leads), where it ignites the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber.

On most overhead valve engines, the distributor shaft is driven by a gear on the camshaft, often shared with the oil pump; on most overhead camshaft engines, the distributor shaft is attached directly to a camshaft.

Older distributor designs used a cam on the distributor shaft that operates the contact breaker (also called points). Opening the points causes a high induction voltage in the ignition coil.[1] This design was superseded by an electronically controlled ignition coil with a sensor (usually Hall effect or optical) to control the timing of the ignition coil charging.

Ignition advance

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In older distributors, adjusting the ignition timing is usually achieved through both mechanical advance and vacuum advance. Mechanical advance adjusts the timing based on the engine speed (rpm), using a set of hinged weights attached to the distributor shaft. These weights cause the breaker points mounting plate to slightly rotate, thereby advancing the ignition timing. Vacuum advance typically uses manifold vacuum to adjust the ignition timing, for example to improve fuel economy and driveability when minimal power is required from the engine.

Most distributors used on electronic fuel injection engines use electronics to adjust the ignition timing, instead of vacuum and centrifugal systems. This allows the ignition timing to be optimised based on factors other than engine speed and manifold vacuum.

Direct ignition

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Since the early s, many cars have used a 'coil-on-plug' direct ignition system, whereby a small ignition coil is located directly above the spark plug for each cylinder. This design means that high-voltage electricity is only present in the small distance between each coil and the spark plug. See Saab Direct Ignition.

Gallery

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History

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The first mass-produced electric ignition was the Delco ignition system, which was introduced in the Cadillac Model 30. In , Arthur Atwater Kent Sr invented the competing Unisparker ignition system.[2]

By the s and s, distributors had been largely replaced by electronic ignition systems.

The company is the world’s best automotive engine components distributor(ar,ru,pt) supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

See also

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• List of auto parts