What Is A Distributor?

A distributor is a component in a spark ignition system that channels high-voltage pulses from the ignition coil to the spark plugs. Distributors are typically driven by the camshaft, which causes them to rotate at exactly one-half the speed of the crankshaft. This precise timing allows a distributor to provide voltage to each spark plug at the correct time and in the proper sequence. Modern direct and distributorless ignition systems perform the same functionality without a distributor.

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Parts of Distributor

The following are the parts of a distributor:

1. Cam It is a part of a distributor that is attached to the distributor shaft and rotates with it. It consists of lobes to open the contact breaker point. The number of lobes in the distributor is similar to the number of cylinders.

When the cam rotates, it drives the cam, follower, and the breaker points are separated causing the current to break.

2. Capacitor It also has a capacitor to protect the contact point of the contact breaker from overheating. It improves the output of high-voltage current by reversing the current flow through the primary coil.

3. Condensor Each ignition distributor is provided with a condenser at the contact points to reduce sparks as they open into the distributor thus minimizing burns and pitting of the points. Arcing occurs due to the effect of self-induction in the coil as the points block the flow of current.

4. Contact Breaker The contact breaker is a mechanical designed breaker point. One end of the contact breaker is movable and the other one is fixed. Its function is to create and break the primary circuit current and is connected to the breaker assembly.

As the cam’s lobe pushes the cam follower of the contact breaker, the breaker’s points that were touching each other separately and break the primary current to flow through the ignition coil’s primary winding.

5. Distributor Cap As the name suggests, it is the cover that protects the internal parts of the distributor system and maintains contact between the internal rotor and the spark plug wires.

It has only one post for each cylinder but contact point-type ignition systems have a central post that is connected to the ignition coil to draw current from it.

6. Terminals Inside the distributor cap, there is a terminal that corresponds to each post. The plug terminals are arranged around the periphery of the cap according to the firing order so that secondary voltage is sent to the appropriate spark plug at the correct time.

7. Distributor Shaft The distributor shaft is located in the middle of the ignition distributor. This shaft is connected to the camshaft of the engine with the help of a gear drive. It has a cam that is used to break the point of the contact breaker.

8. Drive Gear The ratio of the distributor gear is such that it gives the distributor one full turn for every complete turn of the crankshaft and for every two complete turns of the camshaft.

This assures that the spark plugs will burn in the correct position of the piston. The drive gear is firmly attached to the distributor shaft by means of a steel roll pin.

9. Rotor The distributor rotor is a device in a spark ignition system that provides a spark from the ignition coil for proper contact inside the distributor cap. It is driven by the camshaft of the engine and is therefore synchronized with it. As the camshaft rotates, the distributor shaft also rotates. This will cause the rotor attached to the distributor shaft to rotate.

10. Spark Advance Mechanism It is a mechanism used in spark-ignition engines to drive the spark. Its function is to burn the fuel before the piston reaches TDC. This provides the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder to burn completely and, as a result, there will be maximum pressure on the piston.

There are usually two types of spark advance mechanism in this and i.e. centrifugal advance spark mechanism and vacuum spark advance mechanism.


Bad Distributor Symptoms

A faulty distributor can cause a number of issues. Here are some of the most common:

1. Engine Performance Problems: A faulty distributor can cause a wide range of engine performance problems, such as stalling, misfiring, and poor acceleration.

2. Check engine light: If your vehicle was made within the last few decades, chances are, a problem with the distributor will trigger the check engine light

3. Engine cranks but doesn’t start: If the distributor is bad, the engine may not get the spark it needs. As a result, the engine will crank, but it will not start or run.

4. Increased emissions: A bad distributor can cause an engine to misfire. That can lead to an increase in emissions and, potentially, a failed state emissions test.

5. Abnormal noise: In some cases, worn distributor bushings or bearings may allow the distributor to move around and create abnormal noise.


Causes Of A Bad Distributor

Like several car components, some factors can cause the distributor to become faulty. Here are the most common causes you should watch out for.

1. Corrosion: Corrosion is a common issue with most electrical components in cars. It occurs when moisture and a metallic component come into contact. It can also happen due to oxidation when your vehicle runs too hot. Other substances, like grease or deposits, fuel or oil leaks, can cause corrosion.

You can protect your car distributor from corrosion by cultivating a regular maintenance habit.

2. Carbon build-ups: Carbon build-up is the most common reason distributors become bad quickly. High electric flow spark in the distributor can cause build-ups and erosion on the contact points, rotor, and other parts. Carbon build-ups are typically obvious. You can see them once you remove the distributor caps.

3. Wear and tear: Distributors are subject to wear and tear since they are exposed to high electric voltage. Plan on replacing it every two to three years so it won’t fail when you least expect it.


How to fix bad distributors?

If you establish that you have a lousy distributor after a thorough inspection, you must fix or replace it, depending on the type of damage.

If it’s a cracked distributor cap, replacing it with a new one is the most feasible fix. But if the cap is dirty or corroded, you must clean it properly. Here’s a simplified guide on how to clean a corroded distributor.

1. Remove the distributor cables. Ensure they are labeled. If not, label them so that you can reinstall them in the correct order.

2. Remove the distributor cap by unscrewing the fasteners holding it in place

3. Clean the contact points on the distributor cap with a bristle brush and some contact cleaner

4. Dry the cleaned cap with compressed air or a clean rag

5. Reinstall the distributor cap by following the reverse process.

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